ASHULUK, Astrakhan Region, August 29 (AVN) - The cost of the Combat Commonwealth 2001 coalition training will make RUR2.5m (USD85,110), Russian Air Force Commander Anatoly Kornukov said on Wednesday.
The exercise will involve about 500 servicemen, while some 1,500 people will service the war games, Kornukov told reporters.
Speaking about the decrease in the number of countries participating in the exercise, the commander said that it was caused by economic expediency. For instance, Kyrgyzstan has only one regiment that holds live firing in two to three years.
"We decided not to involve so many nations in Combat Commonwealth every year anymore. We will hold it once in two years on co-ordination with the parties. Unilateral live firing can be held more often as part of combat training at the Ashuluk proving range at the request of any country," Kornukov stressed.
The exercise covers a wider territory this year, the commander went on. For instance, Kazakh forces will act under the Combat Commonwealth 2001 concept at their Sary-Shagan range, while the Uzbek Air Force and Air Defence will practice at their Zhaslyk range. "Ukraine is not involved because they are getting ready for their own exercise scheduled for October 4 to 5, and it is inconvenient for them to take part in two large-scale events.
This year's Combat Commonwealth will be highlighted by demonstration of the SU-27IB Flanker modernised plane. The demonstration scheduled for Thursday will be attended by the defence ministers of the CIS nations. SU-27IB will act as air scout, assault plane and fighter consequently. Besides, live firing at the Kaban-type aeroballistic target will be practised for the first time.