VLADIVOSTOK, October 6 (RIA Novosti) - A mixed task force from the Russian Pacific Fleet has started a series of anti-submarine warfare drills in the Sea of Japan, a fleet spokesman said on Tuesday.

The three-day exercises, which involve a total of eight warships, submarines and support vessels, are aimed at practicing search-and-destroy tactics against hostile submarines in joint missions with anti-submarine aircraft and helicopters. The submarines are tasked with "sinking" their "hunters."

"The exercises mark the end of the summer period of combat training," the official said.

In addition, the task force will perform a number of live-fire drills involving on-board artillery and air defense systems.

Russia's Pacific Fleet has a missile cruiser, five destroyers and a large number of submarines in service. Its anti-submarine warfare aircraft include Tu-142 Bear F and Il-38 May planes, and Ka-27 Helix D helicopters.