MOSCOW. Feb 7 (Interfax) - A surprise inspection has been launched in the Russian Aerospace Forces on orders of the country's Armed Forces supreme commander-in-chief, Russian Defense Minister Gen. of the Army Sergei Shoigu said.
"A surprise check of the Aerospace Force began today in line with the decision of the Armed Forces supreme commander-in-chief in order to assess the preparedness of military command centers and forces and to tackle training combat tasks," Shoigu said at a session on Tuesday.
Measures to put command centers and military units on high alert were launched at 9:00 a.m., he said.
"During the check, special attention will have to be given to the state of combat duty, wartime deployment of air defense systems and air force groups' preparedness to repel aggression. Tactical exercises and exams shall be held with all of the military units that are being inspected," Shoigu said.
The defense minister also ordered that security requirements be strictly obeyed, the safe-keeping of weapons and ammunition be ensured and damage to state property and the environment be prevented.
"Control groups shall be formed and their work shall be arranged in the central command, as well as divisions and units of the Aerospace Forces, in order to fulfill the tasks set to the General Staff by the Armed Forces supreme commander-in-chief," the minister said.
He also instructed the deputy defense ministers and the heads of central military command agencies to ensure the fulfillment of practical measures and arrange their subordinates' work in areas under their charge as part of the surprise inspection.