Black Sea Fleet got about 30 new aircraft in 2015 - Admiral Vitko
SEVASTOPOL. July 31 (Interfax-AVN) - The Black Sea Fleet (BSF) is getting new weapons, including airborne ones, as planned and as needed, BSF Commander Admiral Alexander Vitko said.
"Last year the BSF naval aviation received about 30 new aircraft, including a squadron of [Sukhoi] Su-30SM multirole fighters," Vitko told journalists on the occasion of the Navy Day on Sunday.
"This process is also continuing this year, with our aircraft and helicopter fleets being renewed, aircraft repaired, unmanned aerial vehicles mastered and used in combat training," he said.
"Carrier-based helicopter crews are honing their skills. Only a year ago takeoffs and landings could be practiced only from the deck of the fleet's flagship, guards missile cruiser Moskva. With the arrival of the new frigates - helicopter carriers of various modifications - the fleet's capabilities have broadened substantially," Vitko said.
"Of course, we are improving the infrastructure of our airfields by maintaining, develop and bringing them in line with modern standards," the BSF commander said.