The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Thursday about the plans to hold major military exercises in North Caucasus from June 29 and July 6.

It said in a statement that Kavkaz-2009 drills would feature more than 8,500 personnel, up to 200 battle tanks, 450 armored vehicles and various types of about 250 artillery systems.

“During the exercises a wide spectrum of possible measures for guaranteeing the security of citizens, of important transport links and of Russia's economic interests in the southwestern region will be analyzed,” the Russian Defense Ministry said.