- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

US, Russia Air Force Joint Exercise in Syria ‘Prudent Measure’ – Pentagon

© AFP 2023 / SABAH ARARF-16 fighter jet
F-16 fighter jet - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Russian and US flight personnel carried out a joint exercise in Syrian airspace to ensure proper implementation of the deconfliction agreement, US Defense Department spokesperson Michelle Baldanza told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Earlier on Tuesday, Russia’s General Staff said US and Russian air crews held a joint exercise in Syria establishing radio contacts and exchanging messages about parameters of their flights.

“This test was a prudent measure solely to ensure that, in the event Coalition aircraft encounter a Russian aircraft during operations in Syria, one of the established and agreed upon modes of communication in the agreement functioned,” Baldanza said.

Su-34 strike fighter - Sputnik International
Russian Jets Destroyed Over 2,000 Terrorist Targets Since September 30
The Pentagon spokesperson said the test assured that the first communication between the US and Russian pilots would not happen during an unplanned encounter.

“The test was conducted in the skies of south central Syria and lasted about 3 minutes,” Baldanza added.

In October, senior officials from the US Department of Defense and the Russian Ministry of Defense signed a memorandum of understanding to avoid mishaps during the countries’ military operations in Syria.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала