MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Sergei Ryzhkov said the joint Canadian-Hungarian mission will be carried out by a Hungarian An-26 observation aircraft.
19 October 2014, 20:15 GMT
Russian experts will take part in the flyover to monitor the mission's strict adherence to flight parameters and the use of equipment, Ryzhkov added. They have already inspected the plane’s observation technology to certify that it is allowed by the treaty.
The Treaty on Open Skies, signed in 1992, established a regime of unarmed aerial observation flights over the territories of its 34 member-states to promote transparency of military activities. Russia ratified it on May 26, 2001.
The treaty is designed to enhance mutual understanding and confidence by giving all participants a direct role in gathering information about areas of concern to them.
