Footage released by Russia's defence ministry showed the capabilities of the country's Kh-35U anti-ship missiles.

They were fired from a Su-34 long range strike aircraft and managed to sink a group of ships which were imitating a group of enemy vessels.

The training exercise was a triumph with all eight launches successfully striking the intended targets.

Russia's Ministry of Defence said: "Su-34 multifunctional fighter-bombers carried out practical launches of the newest guided anti-ship missiles Kh-35U.

"All in all eight launches were carried out, all missiles successfully hit targets."

Russian officials claim the state-of-the-art Kh-35 is immune to any enemy attack.