SEVASTOPOL, October 6 (RIA Novosti) - Warships and aircraft from the Russian Black Sea Fleet are carrying out a series of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises involving live-firing drills, a fleet's spokesman said on Tuesday.

"The aim of the exercises is to practice anti-submarine search-and-destroy missions. The drills involve warships, aircraft and a submarine from the Black Sea Fleet," the spokesman said.

According to the official, the Smetlivy destroyer and three ASW corvettes, assisted by two Be-12 Mail ASW aircraft will simulate an attack with torpedoes and depth charges on a "hostile" submarine near the Russian coast.

The drills will end on Thursday.

The fleet's ASW contingent comprises two ASW cruisers, an ASW destroyer, and at least six ASW corvettes.

The fleet has only one submarine in active service, a Kilo-class Alrosa vessel.