MOSCOW. Feb 13 (Interfax-AVN) - A command post exercise (CPX) of the Russian Air Force long-range and frontline aviation has started at the Engels aviation base in the Saratov region, a spokesman for the Defense Ministry told Interfax-Military News Agency on Wednesday.
Long-range and strategic aviation crews will perform most of the flights in the framework of the exercise that is to end on Friday, the spokesman said. On Thursday, in particular, the TU- 22M3 Backfire, TU-95MS Bear and TU-160 Blackjack planes will fly practical sorties and accomplish training and combat missions at aircraft proving ranges near the Caspian Sea. Interaction between long-range and frontline aviation will be practiced in the course of the exercise, too.
Lieutenant General Mikhail Oparin, commander of the long- range aviation, arrived at the Engels base on Wednesday. The exercise will be supervised by Air Force Commander Vladimir Mikhailov.