MOSCOW, February 10 (AVN) - The hijacked Afghan Boeing 727 was controlled by duty forces of the CIS Unified Air Defence System during its flight through the CIS airspace, Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev said on Thursday.
In several areas, the airliner was accompanied by two Russian SU-27 fighters, Sergeyev told the Military News Agency.
The Boeing with some 150 passengers was hijacked in Afghanistan on Sunday. Later that day, it crossed the Uzbekistan border, made a stop in Tashkent and headed for Moscow. After another refuelling stop, it left for London.
Asked about the effectiveness of the CIS Unified Air Defence System which was set up five years ago, the minister said that the system's basic elements - "depth and circular factor" - have been steadily improving since its establishment. "This is proven by regular computerised exercises and tight schedule of combat duty within the limits of the CIS Unified Air Defence System," Sergeyev stressed.
According to latest reports the hostages were released early on Thursday.