Joint Russian-Syrian Air Exercises in Syrian Desert

Joint military exercises, in which Russian and Syrian pilots share their military and combat expertise, are taking place in the Syrian desert, southeast of Syria.

Syrian Mil Mi-24 helicopters will be used to participate in the exercises set for several days, enabling the Russian and Syrian pilots to share their expertise. Russian Mi-8 and Ka-52 helicopters will also be used in these exercises, which at some point will simulate aerial combat coordination.

The Syrian pilots are also expected to perform several tasks, including penetrating enemy defenses.

These drills are conducted under real case scenarios, as it is strictly forbidden to fly without protective armor, and participants have to conduct aerial reconnaissance of the area before the helicopters head to the desert.

It is worth noting that these exercises are taking place in areas not far from Tadmor, in the Syrian desert, which militants still use as hideouts.