MOSCOW. April 17 (Interfax) - Over 25,000 troops, 167 ships, including 12 submarines, and 89 planes and helicopters are taking part in a surprise readiness check of the Russian Pacific Fleet, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
"The surprise check has been on in the Pacific Fleet since April 14 on your orders. It involves over 25,000 troops, 167 warships and logistics vessels, including 12 submarines, and 89 planes and helicopters," Shoigu said.
"The forces and troops participating in the check were put on full alert and began the fulfillment of combat training missions with due account of the restrictions. They are holding firing and tactical drills and are practicing interaction between branches," he said.
"Anti-submarine forces on duty have hunted submarines on the approaches to the Peter the Great Gulf and the Avacha Gulf. Marine aviation of the Pacific Fleet was dispersed at operative airfields. Planes of the long-range aviation command were redeployed to forward airfields," Shoigu said.
"The second stage of the surprise check is in progress. The group formed in a distant sea zone is moving to the southern part of the Sea of Okhotsk for combat maneuvering and reconnoitering of the underwater situation," he said.
"The provision of combat stability of strategic missile submarines and their readiness to fire weapons has been trained. A tactical air defense drill has begun. Marine aircraft are impersonating the enemy," Shoigu said.