The flight will be the third by a Russian reconnaissance plane over West European countries within the framework of the treaty. In the course of the current mission the aircraft will survey the territories of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Britain. The film taken will be developed in the presence of all parties concerned.
The purpose of the flight is not only to monitor military facilities. During the previous mission, for example, Russian specialists photographed and mapped the coastal line of the Netherlands.
Effective from January 1, 2002, the open skies treaty is aimed at reinforcing confidence between states. Its members are mainly European and North American countries. The first flight under the treaty was made in August 2002.
