Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday ordered a sudden large-scale military drills in southern Russia, with the aim to test combat readiness of the troops.

About 7,000 troops were put on alert without early warning, a press officer of the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Igor Konashenkov told reporters that about 250 combat vehicles, 50 artillery sections, 20 warplanes and helicopters, as well as 30 warships of various classes also participated in the exercises.

Such sudden tests for the armed forces' combat readiness would be conducted on regular basis from now on, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

During the drills, the troops have conducted 500km long marches from the home stations to the destination areas, where shooting exercises will be held.

This is the second large-scale training alarm in the Russian armed forces this year. The previous one was conducted in February.

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