38,000 Russian soldiers take part in surprise drills

38,000 Russian soldiers take part in surprise drills

MOSCOW -- More than 38,000 Russian soldiers from the Northern Fleet and some airborne units on Monday started drills using 55 warships and submarines.

110 jets and helicopters are also taking part, it has been announced in Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Northern Fleet, some units of airborne forces and the Western Military District on full combat alert from 08:00 Moscow time on Monday as part of the surprise drills, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has been quoted as saying.

"New challenged and threats to the military security demand further strengthening of military capacities of the armed forces," he said.

According to him, the main goal of the drills was "to evaluate the capabilities of the Northern Fleet to fulfill tasks on ensuring Russia's military security in the Arctic."

The defense minister also revealed the the five-day drills will be held on land, air, and sea.