Launched the largest in contemporary history of Russia exercises “Vostok-2018”
Military exercises “Vostok-2018”, the largest since 1981, started in the far East, reported the Ministry of defense. Active phase of the exercises will be held from 11 to 17 September.
Upstairs
The intent of the military created two opposing factions, one of which will be the units of the Central military district and the Northern fleet and the other units of the Eastern military district and Pacific fleet. The action will unfold at the sites, and also in the waters of the Okhotsk and Bering seas and of the Kronotsky and Avachinsky bays.
The exercise will involve 297 thousand troops, more than 1 thousand planes, helicopters and drones, to 36 thousand tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers and other vehicles, about 80 ships and support vessels.
Chief of the General staff of the Russian armed forces Valery Gerasimov said the military attaches of foreign countries that the exercises are defensive in nature and not directed against anyone of the partners of Moscow.
They will start in one day with the Eastern economic forum, which is traditionally visited Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The statement of defence that the exercise is not directed against Tokyo, the Japanese side is not convinced.