ST. PETERSBURG, August 14. /TASS/. Russian-Serbian tactical live-fire drills have kicked off at the Luga practice range in the Leningrad Region in northwest Russia, the press office of Russia’s Western Military District reported on Tuesday.

"Units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Serbia and a motorized infantry formation of the Western Military District have made a march using armored vehicles to an area of combat employment where they have launched work for the organization of the ground and the camouflaging of their positions," the press office said.

During the drills, the soldiers and officers of both countries are performing anti-sabotage and reconnaissance measures, and also measures for electronic warfare. Air defense teams have organized cover for the troops and facilities. Field command posts have been deployed to provide all types of communications, including video-conferencing.

During the stages of the drills, the joint command headquarters will carry out planning of troops’ deployment in maneuverable defense while military units will accomplish assigned missions in various types of battle and the issues of the comprehensive support for combat operations will be practiced," the press office said.

The drills running through August 17 involve about 800 troops, including 200 officers, soldiers and sergeants of the Serbian armed forces. Also, over 200 pieces of military hardware are involved in the military exercises.