According to Shoigu, who spoke at a meeting with the top military brass, the war games would include redeployment of air force units to advance air bases and bombing runs at shooting ranges. Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said in a statement that up to 8,500 troops, 900 ground weapons, 200 warplanes and about 50 warships will be involved in the drills. Even though a drop in global oil prices has drained the government’s coffers and helped drive the economy into recession, the Kremlin has continued to spend big on the military, funding the purchase of hundreds of new aircraft, tanks and missiles. Russia has demonstrated its resurgent military might with its air campaign in Syria, which helped President Bashar Assad’s military win a series of victories in recent weeks.