Crews of a mixed air regiment of the Air Force and Air Defence Army of the Southern Military District stationed in the Krasnodarsky Krai have started to operate the modernized Su-27SM3 fighter jets.

After technical personnel carried out maintenance and testing of new aircraft, pilots of the regiment have started first test flights.

In the test flight program, the crews will check flight performance of the aircraft, operation of engines, all systems under various operating conditions.

Earlier, the regiment received a batch of deeply modernized multi-purpose fighters Su-27SM3 of the 4++ generation with more powerful engines, increased maneuverability and flight range.

It is expected that by the end of this year another batch of aircraft of this type will join the regiment.