Massive exercises conducted by the Russian air force bagan in that country on Monday according to the Russian Defense ministry. They report that 12,000 soldiers and 250 aircraft are taking part in what they call preparation for larger drills that are to take place in September.

The maneuvers, which are to last until Thursday are just the latest to take place in Russia since the annexation of the Crimean portion of the Ukraine in March of 2014.

Long range aircraft are a part of the drills as are units from the Western and Southern military districts the Russian military website announced. The drills are to check military readiness in field conditions and are being called a “massive surprise inspection.”

During the drills, “Long-range aviation aircraft will carry out cruise missile strikes against a mock enemy’s ground targets at the Pemboi test and training area (in the Komi Republic),” says a ministry spokesperson.

  aircraft, ddrills, Military, personnel, readiness, Russia