US, Denmark Inspectors to Fly Over Russia in Observation Aircraft

Within the framework of the Open Skies Treaty, a joint mission of the United States and Denmark will fly over Russian territory in an American OC-135B aircraft.

Within the framework of the Open Skies Treaty, American and Danish inspectors will perform an observation flight over the territory of Russia May 4-8.

According to sources a joint mission of the United States and Denmark will fly over the Russian territory on board an American observation aircraft OC-135B. The aircraft will take off from an airfield in Khabarovsk.

This aircraft is not intended for use as a weapon. Both the aircraft and its installed monitoring devices have passed international certification, with the participation of Russian specialists.

The flight will take place on a pre-agreed route. Onboard the OC-135B there will be Russian specialists as well, who will be responsible for monitoring strict compliance with the agreed parameters of the flight.

The Treaty on Open Skies entered into force on January 1, 2002, and currently has 34 member states. It establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights. The treaty is designed to enhance mutual understanding and confidence.