MOSCOW, June 2 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Air Force is planning to conduct over 200 exercises with 350 live firing drills in the second half of 2008, an AF spokesman said on Monday.
"Air Force units will hold over 350 live firing drills at designated testing sites during a variety of operational and tactical exercises involving air defense units under the direct supervision of military district commanding officers," Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik said.
He said the main purpose of the intensive training during the period "is to ensure combat readiness of the Russian Air Force in order to safeguard Russia's national interests and security."
IISS Military Balance 2007 estimates that the Russian Air Force has 1,650 combat-capable aircraft and 148,000 personnel.