Russian President Vladimir Putin scrambled his jets in a snap military drill meant to prepare his air force for a “time of war.” Russian snap exercises on the border with NATO are happening often without warning and with menacing overtones.
Russian defense minister Sergey Shoigu said Putin has ordered a “snap check” of the country’s armed forces checking whether agencies and troops are ready for battle ensuring that systems are ready to fight, according to state news agency TASS.
Russia has been increasing movement of its military including the launch of the biggest Arctic military push since the fall of the Soviet Union. It has also revealed plans to expand its military over 2017, including a huge boost in the number of tanks, armored vehicles and aircraft.