Russia begins massive air force exercise
Russia's military forces have begun a large exercise involving around 250 aircraft and 12,000 service personnel, according to its defence ministry, the BBC reports.
The ministry described the four-day drill as a "massive surprise inspection," to check combat readiness.
The tests began on the same day as Nato and some of its partners started an Arctic training exercise.
During the exercise, Russia's long-range aircraft are due to carry out cruise missile strikes on practice targets in the Komi republic.
The BBC's Caroline Wyatt, in Moscow, says the current drills are in preparation for a larger exercise known as Center-2015 in the next few months.