Russian pilots conduct large-scale exercises in Crimea Wednesday, June 8, 2016 10:12:00 AM

The large-scale flying and tactical exercises of the Aviation of the Southern Military District (SMD) of the Russian Armed Forces have started in the Russian annexed Crimea, the press service of the Russian military agency reported. The exercises started on the 7th of June in the Rostov region of the Russian Federation.

“The helicopter regiment crews will work on detection and recognition of different ground targets and low-flying, low-speed aircraft, as well as the destruction of these targets from rocket and cannon weaponry at different distances, starting from 500 meters to 5 kilometers during the daylight and night time at the Opuk testing ground in Crimea,” the statement said.

The exercises involve more than 2,500 pilots, navigators, and ground personnel for the three day test flights. Approximately 50 aircraft will take part in the exercises including the Mi-28N, Ka-52 and Mi-35M attack helicopters of the Army Aviation, An-12 and An-26 transport aircraft, the latest Su-30SM two-seat fighter jets and the upgraded Su-27 fighter jets.

The press service reported that the operational and tactical pilots will work on taking off and intercepting air targets in tandem. The lead pilot and second wingman will carry out anti-missile maneuvering until the simulated enemy is detected and locked on by the aircraft’s radar targeting system. After that, they will perform electronic missile launches.

Radio engineering divisions will be working on search, detection and escort of simulated enemy air targets in different conditions. The main focus will be the identification and classification of air targets at low and extremely low altitudes.

The Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, Ostap Semerak, stated that conducting military maneuvers with the use of modern weapons in the Opuk Nature Reserve in Crimea is an irresponsible and arrogant destruction of our lands and natural reserve funds.

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