Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Russia's Far East -- reviewing the largest military drills to be held in Russia since the Soviet era.<br/> <br />Media reports say the drills began Friday. They involve 160,000 troops, 5,000 tanks, and 130 combat aircraft.<br/> <br />Russia's Defense Ministry channels billions of tax dollars every year through its defense industry, the world's second largest arms exporter.<br/> <br />The drills, send a clear signal of military might to Japan, with whom Russia has a dispute over a collection of Pacific Islands.<br/> <br />It also serves as a reminder to China, Russia's populous neighbor, with whom it shares an extensive border.
