Russian Navy begins large-scale drills to test military readiness Over 20,000 servicemen involved

Units and formations of the Russian Navy have started scheduled exercises in the operational zones of the Northern, Pacific and Baltic Fleets, as well as in the area of responsibility of the Caspian Flotilla.

The stated purpose of the manoeuvres is to test the actions of the Navy's military management bodies, Caliber.Az reports referring to the Russian Defence Ministry.

About 300 surface ships and boats, submarines and vessels, 50 aircraft, as well as more than 200 units of military and special equipment are involved in the exercises. More than 20,000 servicemen and representatives of civilian personnel are involved in the manoeuvres.

"The main purpose of the exercise is to test the actions of the Navy's military management bodies at all levels, as well as the readiness of the crews of ships, naval aviation units and coastal troops of the Russian Navy to carry out tasks as intended," the defence ministry said.

During several days, the Navy units will perform over 300 combat exercises with practical use of weapons, including anti-aircraft missile and artillery firing at sea and air training targets. It is also planned to practise the use of anti-submarine weapons of surface ships and naval aviation of the Navy.