Russia on Wednesday began major navy drills involving more than 150 vessels and 15,000 military personnel in the Pacific and Arctic oceans and in the Baltic and Caspian seas, the defence ministry said.

Russia’s Pacific Fleet has launched a series of naval exercises aimed at testing its ability to protect critical maritime infrastructure, Interfax reported Thursday, citing the fleet’s press service.

Russia has launched large-scale naval exercises involving more than 150 ships and 15,000 servicemen. The exercises will take place in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, as well as in the Baltic and Caspian Seas,