Special exercises on the comprehensive support of forces in the Central Asian strategic direction are now underway on the territory of the Western and Central military districts and involve six Russian regions. The drills come in preparation for the Center-2015 strategic command and staff exercise to begin in September. Some 6,000 troops and up to 750 pieces of equipment take part in the drills. Special exercises of aviation, engineering troops and medical units of the special forces of the Central Military District are held on Totsky range in Orenburg region. Russia’s Central Military District encompasses the Volga region, Siberia and the Urals. The drills involve more than 20 Mi-8, Mi-24 and Mi-26 helicopters of the Central military district.