The massive maneuvers of the army aviation of Western Military District are being held in Smolensk Region. The crews will be performing solo and formation flights (up to 10 pairs of vehicles simultaneously). Over 30 helicopters and about 70 ground vehicles are involved in the maneuvers, press-service of Western military district reports. AEX.ru

The crews of Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters is practicing in air ordnance delivery with annihilation of ground targets at the distance from 500 meters to 5 kilometers at several shooting grounds located in Smolensk Region. The weapons are fired at minimum altitudes, when the helicopters perform roll-in for a run from the natural shielding (buildings, forest areas, etc.) and hide behind the natural shielding right after destroying a target, WMD explained.

During the maneuvers the WMD pilots have fired about 1000 guided and unguided missiles. In addition, the crews of the combat helicopters have also accomplished missions connected with air mining of a sector of terrain.

"The analysis of pilots’ actions and percentage of training target kill demonstrates the high level of training and hundred percent mission readiness of WMD pilots. The maneuvers are being carried out under command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Military District, Major General, Igor Makushev", - press-service of Western military district noted.