"Caucasus-2020" Strategic exercises which in general attracted more than 80 thousand people, started on Monday at military training grounds in the South of Russia, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation told reporters.
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation have launched the strategic command and staff exercise "Caucasus-2020," the Ministry said, adding that the main actions of the troops in the framework of the maneuvers will take place at the internal ranges of the southern military district - Prudboy, Ashuluk, Kapustin Yar, as well as at the ground aviation ranges Arzgirsky and Kopansky.
The Defense Ministry added that in total, about 80 thousand people are involved in the "Caucasus", including formations and parts of combat, logistics and technical support, air defense, Navy, as well as Rosgvardia and the Ministry of Emergency situations. "At the same time, the maximum number of personnel involved in military units that fall under the Vienna document of 2011 in the exercise conducted under a single operational command will be up to 12 thousand 900 military personnel," the Ministry stressed.
The maneuvers will involve military personnel not only from the Russian Federation, but also from Armenia, Belarus, China, Myanmar and Pakistan. The number of foreign troops will not exceed 1 thousand people. Representatives of Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka will be present as observers.
At the first stage of the exercise, the military authorities will plan actions in response to the conditional political situation, work out interaction with the participating countries. In the second stage, the problem of command and control during the conduct of joint military action will be solved.
The exercise is planned to work out the use of groups of troops (forces) of the coalition of states to ensure military security in the South-West of Russia.
Fight against cruise missiles
The Defense Ministry said that during the "Caucasus-2020", the Russian Armed forces will pay special attention to the fight against cruise missiles, drones, and rapid change of combat operations.
"During the "Caucasus-2020" exercises, special attention will be paid to the fight against cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, fire and electronic effects on the entire depth of the enemy's battle formation, the use of vertical coverage by tactical air assault forces, and the rapid transition from one type of combat to another," the report says.
This decision was made based on the experience gained during combat operations in modern armed conflicts, including in Syria. It is also planned to pay attention to creating a complex situation, making maximum use of the capabilities of weapons and military equipment at any time of the day, conducting combat operations in isolation from the main forces, and performing deep raids.
The "Caucasus 2020" exercise will end on September 26 and will be led by the chief of the General staff of the Russian Armed forces, first Deputy Defense Minister Valery Gerasimov.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Ministry of Defence of Russian Federation
Based on materials TASS