Russian Air Force crews practice enemy air defense penetration
MOSCOW. Sept 18 (Interfax) - Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-25 and Mikoyan MiG-31 planes and Mil Mi-24 and Mi-8 and Kamov Ka-52 helicopters have received a warning order and taken off from operative airfields in the Eastern Military District to accomplish training missions in the Litovko (Khabarovsk territory), Mukhar-Kondui and Telemba (the Trans-Baikal territory) ranges in the course of a surprise check of their combat preparedness, a source in the Russian Defense Ministry press service and information department has told Interfax.
The planes practiced tactical maneuvering, penetration of a simulated enemy's air defense, air strikes on ground targets and air defense warfare on various altitudes. The helicopters used night vision gadgets to land tactical groups and accomplish search-and-rescue missions.
Long-Range Aviation crews supported the training of Eastern Military District air defense forces.
The surprise check of combat preparedness of the Eastern Military District was ordered by Russian Armed Forces Supreme Commander in Chief Vladimir Putin to be held on September 11-18.
The total number of servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces representing five combined arms forces of the Eastern Military District, the Air Force and Air Defense Command, the Pacific Fleet and the commands of Long-Range and Military Transport Aviation who are engaged in the surprise check nears 100,000.