Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu announced the "start of a surprise inspection of the Pacific Fleet, which has been raised to the highest state of readiness and the highest degree of combat readiness." In remarks during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Shoigu emphasized that "a part of the air forces, military units, and support units will participate in the surprise inspection of the Pacific Fleet aimed at enhancing the readiness of the Russian Armed Forces to repel any potential aggression from maritime directions."
Shoigu instructed the commander of the naval forces and the General Staff to organize control over conducting large-scale exercises for the Pacific Fleet, which will prepare for military operations and field deployment in a short time. During the surprise inspection, the Pacific Fleet will repel massive missile and aerial strikes from a simulated "enemy" and will engage in all types of fire. Shoigu instructed Surovikin to involve long-range aviation control aircraft and air defense forces in the inspection, as well as to work on options for utilizing multiple and diverse groups as part of the Pacific Fleet exercises.
