
Russia deployed another S-400 air defense missile system on Thursday in northern Crimea amid tensions in the Kerch Strait, the authorities said.
The fourth battalion of the newest S-400 system took up combat duty in northern Crimea, Russian Black Sea Fleet spokesman Alexei Rulev said.
The other three battalions have been deployed in the eastern, western and southern parts of the peninsula since Crimea was incorporated into Russia in March 2014 following a local referendum.
Before the deployment in Crimea, the fourth battalion successfully completed drills at the Kapustin Yar testing ground in Astrakhan Region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
Russia has strengthened its forces in Crimea amid ongoing confrontation with Ukraine in the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov.
Ukraine put its armed forces on full combat alert and imposed 30 days of martial law after Russian forces shot at and seized three Ukrainian naval ships near the Kerch Strait for allegedly violating the Russian border Sunday.
Russia's S-400 system is designed to destroy air targets, including warplanes, ballistic and cruise missiles, at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses