12 Aug 2014 12:50

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.