Kazakhstan, Astana, Sept. 23 / Trend , A.Maratov /
Kazakh Defense Minister Adilbek Jaksibekov flew to the area of the large-scale joint strategic exercises "Center-2011" on a supersonic jet fighter of four plus generation Sukhoi Su-27 from the Astana airport, the Defense Ministry reported on Friday.
"This is the first flight of combat vehicles from East to West from the newly opened air base of the Kazakh Air Defense Forces. The air base's task is to maintain the safety of air and maritime borders of our country," Jaksibekov said.
The flight was carried out at supersonic speed at a height of over ten thousand meters.
The second vehicle was piloted by Russian air defense chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Sorokin.
"During the active phase of the Center-2011 exercises, Kazakh pilots and military tactical aircraft SU-27 along with other combat vehicles will make up the backbone of the total air group and attack from the air, supporting combat operations on land and at sea," he said.
Jaksibekov said the Kazakh air force was equipped with not only a multi-purpose fighter Su-27, but other modern aircrafts, which have been upgraded to highest standards.
"New air bases and technical-operational sides have been opened, meaning that the country has created the necessary infrastructure. Another important component of preparedness is the training and skill of pilots," he said.
Multiobjective, improved and modernized Su-27 jets are designed to conduct long-range and close air combat, interception, destruction, piloted (unmanned) aerial targets, land targets and enemy precision weapons.
The Su-27 is able to fight under any weather conditions and regularly acknowledged as one of the best fighters in the world.