According to the head of the Russian National centre for reducing nuclear dangers Ryzhkov S. V. in the period from 17 to 21 February 2020, in the framework of the implementation of the International Treaty on open skies, a joint mission of the USA, Estonia and Lithuania will perform an observation flight over the territory of the groups of States participants – Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation on the Swedish observation aircraft SAAB-340 from the airport Kubinka. This reported by Russian Ministry of Defence press-service.

During the flight along the agreed route, Russian specialists on board the observation aircraft will monitor the strict observance of the agreed flight parameters and application of the monitoring equipment stipulated by the contract.

The Saab-340 observation aircraft is a type of airplane which is not designed to use any weapons. The aircraft and observation equipment installed on it (aerial cameras) underwent an international certification, in which Russian specialists took part, which precludes the use of technical means not covered by the Treaty.