Russia's Pacific Fleet launched cruise and anti-ship missiles during drills in the Sea of Japan that also involved aircraft and drones, the Russian defense ministry said on Thursday.
"Kalibr and Uran missiles were fired by the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate in the Sea of Japan, and the sailors successfully hit their target," the ministry said.
"The maneuver was carried out by ships and vessels of the Pacific Fleet, as well as the fleet's naval aviation aircraft and drones," it said.
The defense ministry released footage of the frigate launching the missiles.
Reuters reported earlier this month that there is growing willingness in Japan to loosen its decades-old pledge not to produce, possess, or host nuclear weapons in its territory – what is known as the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles."
Second drill in weeks in the Sea of Japan
Russia had already done drills in this area during August, after carrying out artillery and anti-submarine drills with the Chinese navy as part of scheduled joint exercises.
The drills took place two days after US President Donald Trump said he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in "the appropriate regions" in response to remarks by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. However, they were scheduled well before Trump's action.
Interfax news agency quoted the Pacific Fleet as saying Russian and Chinese vessels were moving in a joint detachment, including a large Russian anti-submarine ship and two Chinese destroyers.