Multi-service force practicing on Kuril Islands
MOSCOW. Aug 12 (Interfax-AVN) - Command-and-staff exercises have begun on the Kuril Islands, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
"The Eastern Military District has launched command-and-staff exercises involving district military units stationed on the Kuril Islands. Air assault units of the Airborne Forces from the Primorsky territory, army aviation and a task force of the Pacific Fleet are engaged," Eastern Military District spokesman Col. Alexander Gordeyev told Interfax-AVN.
Over 1,000 servicemen, five Mil Mi-8AMTSh helicopters and approximately 100 pieces of military hardware are participating in the exercises, he said.
"The staff will practice control of a multi-service force in an insular zone," Gordeyev continued.
"During the practical stage of the exercises, servicemen of a machinegun-artillery unit of the Eastern Military District will practice elements of coastal defense with the use of brand new drones made in Russia. Meanwhile, servicemen of an air assault company of the Airborne Forces will land from Mil Mi-8AMTSh helicopters on a Kuril island," Gordeyev said.
It is also planned to practice transportation of units between islands by district army aviation helicopters, the officer reported.
"These are routine exercises, a stage of the training of multi-service forces and units of the district," the district spokesman noted.