Air Force prepares for intense training

MOSCOW, June 2 (UPI) -- Russian Air Force officials said Monday they are preparing to carry out more than 200 training sessions with 350 live firing drills.

"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.

The exercises are scheduled to begin in the second half of the year, RIA Novosti reported Monday.

Drik said the exercises are aimed at ensuring "combat readiness of the Russian Air Force in order to safeguard Russia's national interests and security."