Russia prepares to send aircraft to inspect US airspace

Russian experts will conduct an inspection flight over US airspace in mid-May under the Open Skies Treaty.

This is the statement of Mr. Sergei Ryzhkov, director of the Nuclear Risk Reduction Center, under the Russian Ministry of Defense.

A Russian Tu-154M LK-1 aircraft. Photo: ABPic

According to Sputnik News, the Russian Tu-154M LK-1 aircraft will fly along a pre-agreed route.

In addition to Russian observers, American experts will also be on board to ensure all operations comply with the Open Skies Treaty signed earlier.

“The flight has a maximum exploration range of up to 4,250km. The plane took off from Travis Airport (California, USA),” said Mr. Ryzhkov.

In 2017 alone, this was Russia's 14th observation flight over US airspace under the Open Skies Treaty.

The Open Skies Treaty was signed by the United States and Russia in March 1992 and was one of the confidence-building measures in Europe after the Cold War.

The treaty came into effect on January 1, 2002 and currently has 34 member states, including Russia and most NATO members, including the US./.

According to VOV