Russia plans to conduct 4,800 military drills next year

Russia is planning to conduct more than 4,800 military drills next year as part of its efforts to maintain the intensity of combat training.

The move was reported by Russian news agency Tass citing Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu.

Shoigu was quoted by the news agency as saying: “A new training year began in the troops on 1 December. In 2021, we will keep the intensity of combat training. Over 4,800 drills and practical measures are planned.”

In the new training year, the Russian Defense Ministry will focus on improving multi-service force interoperability and firepower capabilities.

It will also focus on training military command centres and enhancing tactical manoeuvrability and mobility of military units.

Military personnel will also seek to identify new operational methods for improved service during local conflicts.

The armed forces have already organised 1,200 camp training events and 1,700 instructor and methodological classes for the new training year.

Minister Shoigu was further quoted by Tass as saying: “A total of 2,500 training facilities have been prepared and maintenance has been provided to about 30,000 items of equipment at training grounds.

“The armament, military and special hardware have been switched to the winter mode of operation and required supplies have been created.”

Last month, Russia conducted a joint military exercise called ‘Friendship-2020’ with Pakistan.

This is the fifth instalment of the exercise and it seeks to improve military cooperation between the two countries.