"Practically all ships and shore battalions stationed in Primorye (in Russia's Pacific far east) are involved in the exercises," a source in the navy command told AFP.

Artillery battalions, air force, marines and missile defense corps also take part in the exercises which are held in the region every year, though never before on such a large scale.

The exercises would take five days, with the Pacific Fleet then launching a new set of maneuvers in Russia's north-east.

SPACE.WIRE