Russian helicopter brigade begins training exercise near Estonian, Latvian border

Russian helicopterA newly formed Russian army helicopter brigade began training flights in the Pskov region, which borders both Estonia and Latvia.

The maneuvers involve dozens of Mi-28N Night Hunter and Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters, as well as Mi-8MTV-5 and Mi-26T combat transport helicopters, RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday.

The brigade, which was only formed in December, is equipped with modern helicopters.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier announced the beginning of military drills of units from the Southern and Western military districts near the borders with Ukraine and the Baltic states in response to an “unprecedented” increase of NATO military activity near Russia amid the Ukrainian crisis.

The pilots will practice flying, seeking air and land targets and landing in makeshift airfields, Delfi reported on Wednesday.

Source: Estonian Public Brioadcasting

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