A new aviation division is being established as a part of the 4th Command of Air Forces and Air Defense Forces (Southern Military District); it will be stationed in Crimea, Interfax Zapad reports with reference to the General Staff of the Russian armed forces.
“At present the 27th composite aviation division is being formed; its headquarters will be located in Belbek,” the source said. “The word “composite” here means that this division will operate fighters, strike-fighters, reconnaissance and transport aircraft as well as bombers and helicopters,” the source explained. Until quite recently a regiment of Russian air forces was stationed at Belbek airfield.
According to Russian Minister of Defense, Sergey Shoygu, the full-scale stand-alone military units will be established in Crimea. “Analysis of possible scenarios makes us pay attention to combat readiness of military units of the Southern Military District in order to ensure the safety of our country and its allies in the South-East region. One of our top-priority objectives is to form the full-scale stand-alone military units in Crimea,” the minister said.
