MOSCOW, June 21 (AVN) - A delegation of the Normandy-Neman aviation regiment of the French Air Force will arrive at the Lipetsk air garrison on Friday, a spokesman for the Russian Air Force Staff told the Military News Agency.
The delegation will fly on four Mirage planes and two transport planes, the spokesman said. It is planning to attend memorial ceremonies marking the 60th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War outbreak.
The Normandy-Neman aviation squadron, which included both Russian and French pilots, became part of the Soviet Air Force in December 1942. Later it became a regiment. Having acquired the new status, the unit took part in the battle of Kursk in 1943. French pilots were distinguished for their courage.
The regiment's aviators flew over 5,000 combat sorties, carried out 896 aerial combats, knocked down 373 and damaged 80 German aircraft during their operations on the Soviet-German front. The unit was awarded the Orders of Red Banner and Alexander Nevsky for exemplary accomplishment of missions. 83 French pilots got combat awards and four got the Hero of the USSR title. The French government awarded the regiment the Legion of Honour.
The visit's itinerary includes French pilots' flights on Sukhoi planes. In return, Russian pilots will fly on Mirages. In addition to Lipetsk, the delegation will travel to the Ivanov and Monino aviation garrisons.
The Normandy-Niemen regiment of the Russian Air Force is among the best units of this service. Its commander, Colonel Anatoly Fetisov, was awarded the silver order of the French National Defence in June 1997.