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Russia’s air base Erebuni, in Armenia, has begun a flight tactical exercise involving MiG-29 fighter jets, the press-service of the Southern Military District has said, TASS reported.

"The exercise will last till April 18, with more than 30 aircraft and special wheeled vehicles and 150 troops taking part. The air base’s commander, Colonel Alexander Petrov is in charge," the press service said.

The Southern Military District said that one fighter will be simulating an enemy aircraft. Other pilots will be practising search, interception, dogfight and forced landing.

Also, the pilots will take part in battalion level exercises at the high altitude proving ground Alagiaz.

"Redeployment to a reserve airdrome will be an important phase of the operation. The pilots will practice the use of standard radiation protection suits and gas masks and the decontamination of aircraft after passing through an ostensibly radioactive cloud," the press service said.