Su-34 bombers of the mixed aviation formation of the 4th Air Force and Air Defence Army of the Southern Military District, based in the Rostov Region, carried outair-to-air refuelling  (AAR). It is the first time as pilots practised this complicated element as part of squadrons.

According to the plan, bombers promptly left the home airfield, which was subject to a mock bombardment. Pilots engaged mock hostile squadron in the air.

Afterwards, over 20 crews of Su-34 in pairs performed air-to-air refuelling with Il-78 tanker airplane.

At the final stage of the exercise, flight personnel of the Southern Military District carried out redeployment of aircraft to the airfields of a conditional enemy.

Support units have also worked out standards to supply petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) and ammunition.

In total, about 1,000 military personnel of flight and engineering staff and more than 300 pieces of aviation, including about 50  operational-tactical planes were involved in the flight exercise.