KYIV. Sept 29 (Interfax-AVN) - Control missile flight testing has been conducted on the Chauda training ground in Crimea as part of the Reef Knot 2008 command-post exercise.
Live and simulated launches of surface-to-air missiles were held and an assessment was made of the possibility to extend the service life of missiles for the Buk-M1 short-range missile systems.
The drill involved missiles units of the Ukrainian air force, based in different parts of Ukraine, and equipped with modern surface-to-air missile systems, including Buk-M1, S-300P and S-200V systems.
The units' performance was satisfactory, Ukrainian General Staff Chief Serhiy Kyrychenko said.
"The units showed satisfactory performance if we speak about this stage," he said.
"The drill is massive and unprecedented in importance for enhancing the armed forces' combat readiness," Kyrychenko said.
Reequipping is the biggest problem facing the Ukrainian army, he said.
"The National Security and Defense Council's decision to provide a funding equivalent to 2.5% of GDP to the armed forces, will make it possible to use all elements of the armed forces in drills next year," said Kyrychenko.