Anti-aircraft missiles, bombing raids to be practiced in ongoing drills in central Russia
MOSCOW. May 26 (Interfax-AVN) - The launches of guided anti-aircraft missiles and bombing-missile attacks on ranges in the Volga area will be practiced during the active phase of a surprise inspection of the Air Force and air defense forces of Russia's Central Military District, Lt. Gen. Andrei Kartapolov, a deputy chief of staff of the Russian armed forces and chief of the General Staff's main operational directorate, said on Tuesday.
"The third stage will be fully devoted to practicing the activity of aircraft and anti-aircraft weapons on the Ashuluk and Kapustin Yar ranges. This stage will involve the practicing of countermeasures to an airstrike, practical launches of guided anti-aircraft missiles, and bombing-missile attacks on sites and bases of simulated terrorists," Kartapolov said at a news briefing for foreign military attaches dealing with the surprise inspection of the Central Military District's Air Force and air defense forces on Tuesday.
During this same stage, long-range aircraft will launch airborne cruise missiles upon targets on the Pemboi range, Kartapolov said. "The interception of cruise missiles by fighter aircraft will be practiced there as well," he said.
The surprise inspection will last from May 25 to 28. The second stage will begin on Wednesday, during which the Central Military District's united strategic command will start practicing the planning and organization of combat activities.
