Troops from the Russian Eastern Military District have conducted exercises involving the defense against superior enemy forces, calling in the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and combat helicopters in aid of the defending side, the district's spokesman said Thursday.

According to the spokesman, a reinforced motorized infantry company took on the role of the attacking side, with the simulated offensive fully consistent with modern battle tactics.

"A motorized infantry company, reinforced with additional units, stopped an offensive by superior forces of the simulated enemy. At the critical moment of the battle, military aviation was involved, with the use of two Ka-52 Alligator helicopters. The company commander thus for the first time exercised his right to decide on the use of combat helicopters in the interests of the defending units," Alexander Gordeev said.

The exercise was monitored via drones.

The ongoing drills will take place over several stages and are expected to last until August 20.