According to CEO and General designer of Vega Concern, Vladimir Verba, the trial operation of Tu-214ON aircraft was started by the Russian armed forces, ITAR-TASS reports.

This decision was taken by the interdepartmental commission, which considered the results of the jet’s state testing. He noted that the new Tu-214ON special-purpose aircraft, manufactured by Kazan Aviation Production Association named after S.P.Gorbunov in accordance with the order placed by Vega Concern, should replace the outdated Tu-154 and An-30.

The onboard surveillance equipment, ground data analysis system, kit of test-objects, required for verifying the observance of the treaty’s terms, and training equipment have been developed by Vega Concern.

Tu-214ON aircraft is intended for implementation of Open Slies Treaty signed on March 24th 1992 in Helsinki by 27 countries. At present 34 OSCE member countries are taking part in it. Russian Federation ratified the Treaty on May 26th 2001.