The Russian Federation is to conduct an observation flight over the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on An-30B observation aircraft within the International Treaty on Open Skies.

The observation flight will take place at a maximum range of 2,400 km from October 30 to November 3 2017. The aircraft is to take off from the RAF Brize Norton airfield.

The Russian aircraft will fly by route coordinated with observed side. Moreover, the UK specialists onboard will control use of specialized equipment and compliance with Treaty provisions.

The observation flight is to ensure transparency in military activities of the Treaty members.

This is the 48th observation flight of the Russian Federation over the Treaty member countries in 2017.