MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry has invited foreign military attaches accredited in Moscow to attend the Caucasus-2016 strategic drills scheduled for September, Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said on Monday.

"In the spirit of goodwill and transparency of the Russian Armed Forces’ military activity, the Defense Ministry of Russia has invited foreign military attaches accredited in Moscow to attend the active stage of the Caucasus-2016 strategic command and staff drills on September 9, 2016," the deputy defense minister said.

The foreign diplomats will be delivered to the scene of military exercises by a plane of military and transport aviation, Antonov said.

"Foreign military diplomats will have an opportunity to watch the practical phase of the maneuvers of troops (forces) at the strategic command and staff exercise. They will also be briefed on the goals and tasks of the drills," the deputy defense minister said.

Russia’s Defense Ministry is currently holding a combat readiness check of troops as part of preparations for the Caucasus-2016 maneuvers. The check involves units of the Southern Military District and part of the troops of the Central and Western Military Districts.

It was also reported that the Northern Fleet, the Aerospace Force and the Airborne Troops would be involved in the drills as well.

The combat readiness check is expected to be over on August 31.