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Russia's Central Military District combat readiness snap check involves 12,000 troops

The snap check also involves up to 250 warplanes and helicopters, 689 units of various weapons and military equipment

MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. Some 12,000 troops, up to 250 warplanes and helicopters are involved in a surprise combat readiness check of the aviation grouping and air defense forces in the Central Military District, the Russian Defense Ministry press service reported on Monday.

The ministry said the drill is conducted to assess capabilities of the Air Force and air defense forces of the Central Military District to fulfil tasks to destroy air enemy in interaction with attached strength and reinforcements.

"The check involves some 12,000 troops, up to 250 combat planes and helicopters, 689 units of various weapons and military equipment," the press service said.

According to the ministry, Long Range Aviation planes during the inspection will drill cruise missile strikes on ground targets of the imaginary enemy at the Pemboi range.

Russian Defense Minister, General Sergey Shoigu said earlier on Monday that the surprise combat readiness inspection of the aviation grouping and air defense forces of the Central Military District, launched on the order of the Russian Supreme Commander-in-Chief, will last until May 28.

During the first day it is necessary to check the troops’ ability to promptly fulfil the combat readiness tasks. Further it is planned to disperse the aircraft to operational airfields, move air defence units to the ranges for tactical live-fire exercises in accordance with the purpose.

"The exercise is conducted to check the troops’ ability to deploy the field aviation control system and organise all-round support of air operations in new areas of deployment, moving air defence units to new positioning areas by railway transport," the ministry press service said.