The Russian Su-27 fighter jets intercepted a simulated enemy’s missile carrier during exercises in Crimea, the Defense Ministry’s press service said Wednesday.

The Russian Southern Military District’s Su-27 fighter jets intercepted a simulated enemy’s missile carrier as part of exercises in Crimea, the Defense Ministry’s press service said Wednesday.

"The pair of Su-27 fighters on duty in the Southern Military District carried out a three-minute flight taking off from the Republic of Crimea airfield, and simulated an interception of all air targets as part of Kavkaz-2016 strategic command-staff exercises," the ministry said in a statement.

Tu-95MS strategic bomber aircrews with long-range cruise missile carrying capabilities assumed the role of the enemy in the nighttime raids, the ministry said. The Su-27 crews continue to be on standby air defense alert, it added.