MOSCOW. Aug 2 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Central Military District (CMD) air defense forces, units and subdivisions have started simultaneous drills at ten training sites in Bashkortostan, Altai Territory, the Chelyabinsk, Orenburg, Samara, Novosibirsk and Kemerovo regions and the Republic of Tajikistan.
"Over 800 surface-to-air missile systems, installations and other special equipment have been re-deployed to field camps," the CMD said in a statement obtained by Interfax-AVN on Tuesday.
Over 3,000 anti-aircraft forces have begun tactical special drills. In cooperation with the Ground Troops, the joint air defense and missile defense forces, intelligence and electronic warfare units, the personnel will practice skills such as protecting troops from airstrikes and covering the critical facilities and command posts. A number of training sessions will involve the use of reconnaissance and automated control systems, the statement said.
At the final stage of the field exercise, antiaircraft forces will conduct a live-fire practice at sea and on the ground.
"The field exercise of the air defense forces will end on August 31. Once it is over, the CMD air defense forces will proceed to perform the tasks as per the plan of the Center-2011 strategic exercise," the CMD headquarters said.