VLADIVOSTOK - More than 15 combat ships and boats of the Russian Pacific Fleet have set sail for a training exercise aimed at countering maritime and aerial drones, the Pacific Fleet's press service reported Tuesday.

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The warships and boats departed Vladivostok to participate in a scheduled interdepartmental exercise focused on protecting and defending base points and sea communications.

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During the exercise, crews will conduct training to combat unmanned boats and drones representing a mock enemy. The ship crews are set to perform live-fire drills targeting objects that simulate small-sized surface and aerial threats.

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As the vessels left their bases, the personnel had already completed emergency combat and sailing preparations, including actions to camouflage their departure from the pier area using smoke screens.