MOSCOW, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Strategic Missile Force has begun large-scale command-and-staff exercises in the Urals, the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

More than 3,000 troops and about 300 units of equipment will be involved in the drills in Sverdlovsk region to improve combat readiness and capability, the ministry said in a press release.

Transport and combat helicopters as well as drones will be used to search and strike simulated enemies. Supersonic interceptor MiG-31 and reconnaissance aircraft An-30 will also be mobilized.

The strategic missile drills are being held amid escalated tensions between Russia and Western countries over the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain.