Russia's military has begun holding drills to ready its latest generation of military helicopters, used in its restive North Caucasus, to increase security at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

In preparation for the drill held by the forces of the South Military District combining restive republics like Dagestan or Chechnya with cites like Sochi, KA-52 'Alligator', 'Night Hunter', and 'Black Shark' helicopters sat on the runway in Korenovsk, a town in Russia's Rostov region while military personnel loaded ammunition into the aircraft's cabin.

Moscow is currently trying to quell an insurgency in the North Caucasus, but fears remain of a widening threat from better-trained groups before Russia hosts the Winter Olympics next February in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered law enforcement authorities to ensure insurgents do not attack the 2014 Winter Olympics next February in Sochi, which is close to the North Caucasus.

The Mi-28N 'Night Hunter', a two-person combat helicopter, is, according to Russian media reports, designed to be able to work both during the day and at night, and in poor weather conditions. It is made to destroy surface targets, boats, other aircraft, and armored vehicles.

The KA-50 was given its 'Black Shark' moniker after a 1993 Russian action film of the same name was released featuring the aircraft.

The KA-52 'Alligator' is a two-seater Scout Attack helicopter, some of which have seen action in Chechnya.

Many in Russia credit Putin with bringing the Winter Olympics in Russia as he made a personal plea in English to the IOC members before they voted for Sochi. The Olympic torch relay will start on October 7, which is also Putin's birthday.

Presented by Adam Justice