PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY. April 20 (Interfax) - Kamov Ka-29 helicopters from the Russian Pacific Fleet's air force eliminated a mock enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group in Kamchatka during an ongoing surprise combat readiness inspection, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters.
"The Pacific Fleet's Ka-29 helicopters eliminated a mock enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group in Kamchatka during the surprise check of the fleet's combat readiness," the ministry said.
After detecting the "saboteurs", Ka-29 helicopters from the Pacific Fleet's composite air regiment took off from a backup airfield tasked with finding and eliminating the group, it said.
As per the third phase of the snap combat readiness check, the helicopters fired several unguided missiles at the mock enemy at a special training ground.
"The 'enemy' sabotage and reconnaissance group was eliminated during the strike. The exercise was conducted at a target range on the coast of the Avacha Gulf," the ministry said.
The entire Pacific Fleet was put on high alert on April 14 for a surprise combat readiness check conducted on orders from Russian Supreme Commander-in-Chief and President Vladimir Putin. The snap drills involve long-range aircraft, aircraft of the Eastern Ministry District, troops, and logistics units.