US-Swedish inspection team makes observation flight over Russia.

A US-Swedish inspection team is making an observation flight, which began at Kubinka airfield, over Russia on board the U.S. OC-135B surveillance aircraft in compliance with the International Treaty on Open Skies. The flight will take place on July 3-6, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

OC-135B surveillance aircraft (Picture source: US Air Force)

"The Russian experts aboard will control strict observation of the flight parameters and the application of the surveillance equipment provided by the treaty during the flight, which is being made on agreed route," the ministry said.

The OC-135B surveillance aircraft is not meant for carrying any weapons. The aircraft and its onboard equipment (aerial photo cameras) have passed international certification procedures, in which Russian experts had taken part. This fact excludes a possibility of using technical means and equipment, which are not provided by the treaty.

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