"Military Cooperation-2007" exercises of CIS united air defense system countries launched

PanARMENIAN.Net - On Wednesday in the "Telemba" training ground of Chita Oblast, Russia, the first stage of "Military Cooperation-2007" maneuvers of CIS united air defense system countries launched, head of the Russian air force's press service, Colonel Alexander Drobyshevski said on Wednesday. "Under the command of General Lieutenant Vladislav Stytsenkov, the head of combat training department of the Russian air forces, participants of maneuvers have started to work out tactical episodes of the plan of maneuvers, check on duty air forces and air defense systems. They are also preparing to repulse training attacks," Drobyshevski said.



The military exercises consist of four stages. Air forces and air defense units from Byelorussia and Russia, as well as air defense units of the Baltic Fleet of Russia participate in the first stage, the head of the Russian air force's press service clarified.



Drobyshevski added, "during the active phase of the first stage of maneuvers (June 25-26) air defense units will fire from C-125, C-200, C-300 anti-aircraft complexes. Besides, Cy-24, Cy-25, Cy-27 and MiG-29 warplanes will work out issues concerning coverage and assisting ground troops, striking ground and air targets." According to Colonel Drobyshevski, the second stage of exercises will be held on the "Ashuluk" training ground in Astrakhan Oblast during the second half of August with the participation of air defense units and air forces from Russia, Armenia, Byelorussia and Kirgizia. The final third and fourth stages will be held at the end of August and beginning of September in training grounds of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, RIA "Novosti" reports.