MOSCOW. March 22 (Interfax) - The Russian Aerospace Forces have destroyed more than 20,000 enemy targets during the special military operation, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"Military aircraft have flown over 140,000 combat missions during the operation. In total, the Aerospace Forces have destroyed more than 20,000 enemy targets. Equally important work in the special operation zone is being conducted by military-transport aircraft pilots, who are transporting cargo and personnel round-the-clock," Shoigu said at a meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry's board on Wednesday.
"Up to 90% of tactical and army aircraft crews, 60% of strategic and long-range aircraft crews, and 85% of personnel operating unmanned aerial vehicles have received combat experience during the special operation," he said.
The significance of the Aerospace Forces in modern-day military action is difficult to overestimate, he said.
"Armed conflicts of recent decades confirm that," Shoigu said.
"At last year's expanded meeting of the Defense Ministry board, the supreme commander-in-chief noted the important role of this branch of the Armed Forces during the special military operation and ordered that its combat capabilities and the level of personnel's skills be enhanced further," he said.