Russia began a surprise inspection of the readiness of its troops and fleets

 

According to the Russian Defence Ministry website, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu reported this at the Friday meeting with the senior staff of the Ministry of Defence at the National Defence Management Centre.

“In accordance with the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, a surprise inspection of the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts, individual formations of central subordination, Airborne Troops and the Northern and Pacific Fleets’ marines is being conducted.”

According to Sergei Shoigu, as quoted by TASS, “The inspection is conducted to assess the ability of the Armed Forces to ensure military security in the south-western Russia, where serious terrorist threats persist, and to prepare for the strategic command and staff exercise Caucasus 2020 scheduled for September.”

Sergei Shoigu instructed the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces to inspect and control the troops’ actions. To that end, working groups should be formed to inspect the involved military authorities, troops and forces. Deputy Ministers of Defence were instructed to oversee the fulfillment of tasks by subordinate bodies of military management and troops that are involved in the inspection in the respective areas of activity.

Chiefs of services of the armed forces, the commander of the Airborne Forces and heads of the central military management bodies will oversee the preparations of forces, formations and military units for the implementation of training and combat tasks.

“In the course of the inspection, 56 tactical-level exercises will be conducted at 35 firing ranges and training fields and 17 marine firing ranges in the waters of the Black and Caspian Seas. A total of 149,755 people, 26,820 pieces of weaponry and military equipment, 414 aircraft, 106 ships and supply vessels are involved in the surprise inspection,” Mr Shoigu said.

As part of the exercises and control sessions, Sergei Shoigu instructed to ensure implementation of combat-training and coordination programmes.

“Results of the conducted training activities should be taken into account when assessing the level of preparedness of forces, formations and military units in their admission to the strategic exercise Caucasus 2020,” the Defence Minister said.

Mr Shoigu set a task to take all necessary measures to protect the health of servicemen during the inspection.

“All necessary measures to protect the health of personnel during the inspection must be taken,” he said.

“At all stages of the inspection it is necessary to ensure strict observance of safety requirements and security of weapons and ammunition, to prevent damage of state property and negative environmental impact,” ordered the minister.