As a part of the operational readiness tests announced in Crimea on March 16, Russia is deploying to the peninsula a number of supersonic, long-range strategic Tu-22M3 strike bombers, says a source in the Russian Defense Ministry. According to the official, several fighter jets and strike bombers are also being deployed to Kaliningrad, Russia’s seaport exclave between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea.

“Our ground forces in the Baltics will be reinforced by Iskander mobile ballistic missile systems from our Western Military District, which amphibious assault ships from the Baltic Fleet will deliver,” said a Defense Ministry spokesperson.

Also as a part of the military readiness tests, two special airborne regiments will be transferred to the Russian Arctic.

Russia’s military readiness check of its Northern Fleet, several units in its Western Military District, and its airborne forces continues until March 21. The exercises will involve 38,000 troops, 3,360 weapons and units of military hardware, and more than 55 warships and submarines, as well as 110 aircraft and helicopters.