Military Exercise: Russia Checks Readiness of 12,000 Soldiers and 250 Combat Aircraft

Russia has launched large-scale air military exercises involving around 12,000 soldiers and up to 250 combat aircraft and helicopters in the Central Military District (CMO) to check the military readiness of aviation and air defense forces, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced, reports the Patria News Agency.

- The exercises involve around 12,000 soldiers, up to 250 combat aircraft and helicopters, and 689 pieces of various weapons and military equipment, the ministry stated.

The statement also said that the military exercises, which began on Monday and are scheduled to last until Thursday, are being conducted to assess the capabilities of aviation and air defense. These surprise military exercises are also a preparation for even larger military exercises called "Center 2015", which will be held in Russia in September. During the exercises, Russian aircraft will also test the firing of cruise missiles.