MOSCOW, April 23 (RIA Novosti) - More than 1,500 servicemen and over 500 units of armaments and military hardware are taking part in exercises of the North Caucasus Military District troops, a Ground Forces spokesman said Wednesday.

The exercises started on April 21 in Russia's southern town of Yeisk, and will continue until April 25.

"Live firing of Tunguska, Strela-10 air defense systems and Igla mobile air defense systems will be conducted during the exercises' final stage," Colonel Igor Konashenkov said.

"The exercises are aimed at checking the combat effectiveness of units and the ability of commanders to direct fire in difficult aerial conditions," he said.