The plane carrying the Russian President's entourage was escorted by Swiss fighter jets.
Yesterday, a squadron of F/A-18s escorted a plane carrying many Russian officials flying through Swiss airspace, at times only a few meters away from the Il-96.
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| A Swiss F/A-18 fighter jet flies to the left of an Il-96 aircraft on August 19. Photo: Sputnik |
The escort began when the Il-96 entered Swiss airspace on the afternoon of August 19. Two F/A-18C multi-role fighters approached from behind, maintaining positions on either side of the Russian plane at an altitude of 10,600 m. The Swiss fighters took turns approaching the Il-96, at times only a few meters from the Russian plane's wingtips.
On board the Il-96 was a delegation accompanying Russian President Vladimir Putin, including Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov and many reporters. President Putin was on a visit to France and had arrived in Paris earlier.
| Video: RT |
The F/A-18C squadron separated and returned to base just before the Russian aircraft left Swiss airspace.
Fighter jets have been following special flights over Swiss airspace for a long time. Russian officials have confirmed that F/A-18s always accompany Russian special aircraft on this route, calling it an act of hospitality. Swiss fighters always act in accordance with the agreements between the two countries, without endangering the aircraft or passengers.
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