Russian pilots readying for massive tactical drills in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Pilots of the Erebuni Russian military air base in Armenia began preparations for large-scale tactical exercises to be held in mid-July in Kahmud and Alagyaz ranges, the press service of Russia’s Southern Military District says.

“Pilots of fourth generation MiG-29 fighters, Mi-24P and Mi-8Mt attack helicopters are performing training flights on minimum and maximum permissible heights, fulfilling air combat and ground attack tasks,” the statements says.

"Also, the pilots work out methods of dodging conventional enemy’s antiaircraft defense measures."

The tactical exercises will involve the whole flight crew, flight specialists and experts of ground services, engineering and technical staff of the Russian air group in the South Caucasus.

Erebuni Russian airbase of Yerevan was formed in 1995. In November 1998, multipurpose MiG-29 jet fighter aircraft were redeployed at the base, making it home to a squadron of MiG-29s and Mi-24 attack helicopters.