Russian anti-aircraft gunners hold firing drill in Far East

Russian air defense units held a firing drill in Russia's Far East region, successfully hitting all the targets, the Russian news agency TASS reported Monday.

"The group showed excellent capabilities in combat shooting on a specialized landfill," Col. Alexander Gordeyev, the Eastern Military District's press chief, was quoted as saying.

Eight aerial targets were launched simultaneously during the drill, and the anti-aircraft units were not aware of the number of targets before the launch, added Gordeyev.

"Nevertheless, all the targets were destroyed with the minimum ammunition consumption," he said.

The Russian Armed Forces started a weeklong snap military drill involving three of the country's four military districts last Thursday to check their ability to "beef up forces" and "defend Russia's interests amid growing security threats." Endi