Russian Baltic Fleet simulates Iskander missile launches

MOSCOW - Russia's Baltic Fleet has simulated firing Iskander tactical missiles during recent drills, TASS news agency reported on Sunday.

Covered by Mi-24 attack helicopters and Su-30SM multirole fighters, the missile troops practiced loading launchers and conducting "electronic launches," TASS said, citing the press office of the fleet.

The missile units conquered contaminated land, various roadblocks and obstacles and practiced camouflage as well as radiation, chemical and biological protection, it said.

The drills involved about 100 personnel and around 20 items of military hardware.

The Baltic region is a hot spot for the rising tension between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Earlier this month, an F-18 aircraft of the NATO attempted to approach the plane carrying Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu over the neutral waters in the Baltic Sea, before it was chased off by two escorting Su-27 fighters.