Russian pilots have performed over 100 sorties in the course of the exercise Peaceful mission 2016 held among the SCO military contingents.

Su-25SM attack aircraft, Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft and Su-24M tactical bombers carried out take-offs from the Kant airbase, while Mi-24 attack helicopters and Mi8AMTSh transport helicopters – from the Cholpon-Ata airfield. Long-range bombers Tu-22M3 accomplished tasks flying from the Tolmachyovo airbase located near Novosibirsk.

Two Tu-95MS strategic bombers took off from the Engels airfield (Saratov Region), flew over the exercise region at the altitude of 900 meters and practiced exchanging data with command centres of the Central MD.

In total about 30 Russian aircraft were involved in the Peaceful Mission-2016 exercise, active stage of which had been held on September 15-21.