Russian airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C)  A-50M and A-50U are involved in the unannounced combat readiness inspection of the Western, Central and southern MDs to perform air reconnaissance missions.

The pilots will perform targeting of Su-27 fighters, Su-34 and Su-24 bombers as well as monitor air and surface situation in the exercise zone for the warships of the Black Sea Fleet and the Caspian flotilla.

Starting from August 25, the unannounced inspection of the Southern, Western and Central Military Districts, the Northern Fleet, the Main Command of the Aerospace Forces and the Airborne Troops Command, is held upon the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

The activities are conducted within the scenario of preparation for the strategic command-and-staff exercise “Caucasus-2016”

The practical stage of the activities will take place at 14 combined-arms ranges as well as in the Black and Caspian Seas.

The unannounced inspection will last until August 31.