Russian Su-27s train to intercept aircraft over Crimea
According to the Russian Defense Ministry's press service, Russian fighter jets in the Crimean air space are training to intercept enemy aircraft.
"A pair of Su-27 combat aircraft on duty from the South Military District scrambled within three minutes from an airfield based in the Crimea and hit all of their air targets as a part of the Strategic Command and Staff Exercise Caucasus-2016," the message says.
The Ministry added that their enemy aircraft were simulated by three Tu-95MS missile carriers from Russian Aerospace Forces’ long-range aviation unit. Interception of the air targets was conducted in the dark.
Strategic Command and Staff Exercises: Caucasus-2016 began in southern Russia and in the Crimea on Monday, September 5th. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia deployed troops to the southwest numbering about 100,000 soldiers, more than 10,000 combat vehicles and other equipment, 60 ships and 400 aircraft and helicopters.
Experts have expressed the opinion that during the Caucasus-2016 exercises the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will practice operations against Ukraine.
On August 18th President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said that he has not ruled out a full-scale Russian invasion in Ukraine and warned about the possibility of establishing martial law if it happens.