PSKOV, August 11. /ITAR-TASS/. About 3,000 paratroopers will be airlifted in two districts of Russia’s north-western Pskov region as part of command and staff exercises of the 76th air assault division starting on Monday, Airborne Force spokeswoman, Major Irina Kruglova said.

“Over 3,000 personnel will be airlifted by 15 Il-76 planes,” the spokeswoman said. The mass landing of paratroopers in an unknown terrain will be held for the first time in military drills of this level, the spokeswoman said.

The maneuvers will involve over 30 aircraft and helicopters, including Su-34 fighter-bombers, Ka-52, Mi-28, Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters. “The drills’ active phase will take place on August 14-15", the spokeswoman said.

The maneuvers will end with night and daylight firing from all of the division’s organic weapons, including Sprut self-propelled anti-tank guns and Nona-self-propelled mortar systems, as well as Strela-10 air defense missile systems.