Russia began its largest military exercise this year in Siberian and Far Eastern regions on Tuesday, local media reported.

Nicholas Makarov, head of the General Staff of the Russian Federation, would be the direct commander of the 10-day military manoeuvres that will end on July 8.

Tens of thousands of troops, SU-24M bombers and SU-34 fighter bombers, Pacific fleet warships are participating in the exercise, code-named "Vostok-2010."

The troops will conduct operations including anti-aircraft drills and airborne and marine landings. Army units will work closely with emergency brigades and divisions of the Ministry of Emergencies, the Interior Ministry, the Federal Border Service and other militarized units.

On Monday, warplanes, including Su-24M front bombers and Su-34 fighter bombers, were transferred from the central part of Russia to the training grounds of the Far East to participate in the drills.

The Black Sea navy fleet's rocket cruiser Moscow and the North navy fleet's Peter the Great nuclear-powered rocket heavy cruiser are also expected to take part in the military manoeuver.

The "Vostok-2010" military exercise will center at the Tsugol training ground. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Yezhel has been invited to observe the drills.

The task of the war games is to "guard Russia's sea borders, prevent poaching and counter piracy," said Makarov.