Putin orders air forces to prepare 'for a time of war'

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Putin orders Russia's air forces to prepare 'for a time of war' with 'special attention paid to air defence systems and readiness to repel aggression'
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Defence minister Sergey Shoigu said Putin had ordered forces to 'evaluate readiness' for combat
Air defence systems are set to be deployed, he revealed
The move comes at a time of heightened tensions with Nato countries

Published: 07:13 EST, 7 February 2017 | Updated: 07:13 EST, 7 February 2017

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Vladimir Putin has ordered his air force to prepare for 'a time of war', Russia's defence minister has revealed.

The Russian president has launched a spot check on the country's aerospace forces, in order to 'evaluate readiness' for combat.

Air defence systems are set to be deployed, minister Sergey Shoigu revealed.

The Russian President has ordered air forces in Russia to prepare for 'a time of war'

He stated, TASS news agency reports: 'In accordance with the decision by the Armed Forces Supreme Commander, a snap check of the Aerospace Forces began to evaluate readiness of the control agencies and troops to carry out combat training tasks.'

He continued: 'Special attention should be paid to combat alertness, deployment of air defense systems for a time of war and air groupings’ readiness to repel the aggression.'

It comes during heightened tensions with Nato countries, and Putin has been publicly increasing his military strength in recent months.

The defence minister said battalion task groups and tactical teams of ground troops had started to 'take steps in order to improve their interaction'.

Fighter pilots have been practicing solitary excercises as well, he stated.