CIS AIR-DEFENCE EXERCISE IN SOUTHERN RUSSIA ENTERS ACTIVE PHASE

Channel One TV, Moscow
30 Aug 05

The active phase of an air-defence exercise began today at the Ashuluk
training ground in Astrakhan Region. Air-defence troops from four
CIS countries are taking part in the exercise: Russia, Belarus,
Armenia and Tajikistan.

Over 2,000 service personnel are involved in the exercise. They will
be using air-defence systems, fighters, bombers and ground-attack
aircraft.

According to the exercise plan, the troops are to destroy a terrorist
base and to provide protection for strategic facilities.

The main aim of the exercise is ensure that the troops are able to
operate in a coordinated fashion. They will be receiving their orders
from a unified command post.

The exercise is being attended by Russian Defence Minister Sergey
Ivanov, who is personally monitoring the exercise.