Russia And NATO Stage Massive Rival War Games Over The Arctic

CNN: In show of muscle, Russia conducts military exercise in country's northwest

(CNN)You flex your muscles and I'll flex mine. Or so it seems to go in international relations these days.

Russia has deployed 12,000 troops along with numerous aircraft and weapons in a surprise military exercise in the country's northwest -- a show of strength that may be a response to a long-planned European military exercise led by Norway.

The Russian news agency Tass, quoting the country's defense ministry, reported Monday that the exercise involves as many as 250 combat planes and helicopters and 689 units of "various weapons and military equipment."

Cruise missiles will be aimed at an "imaginary enemy," the report said.

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Russia and West Hold War Games Over Arctic -- AFP
Russia, NATO stage rival air-combat exercises -- Seattle Times/L.A. Times
First stage of Russian snap combat readiness check almost complete — ministry -- ITAR-TASS
Ten ships of Russian Northern Fleet involved in Barents Sea military drills -- ITAR-TASS
NATO fighter jets join nordic countries in Arctic military exercise -- AP
Arctic Challenge Drills Not Directed Against Russia - Norwegian Air Force -- Sputnik
Russia And NATO Launch Massive War Games Over the Arctic -- Value Walk
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