Published time: 14 Nov, 2016 17:12Edited time: 14 Nov, 2016 19:20
A Russian fighter jet crashed into the sea
shortly into a training flight off the coast of Syria, Russia’s Ministry of Defense
has announced.
“As a result of a technical malfunction during a
training flight an incident occurred to a carrier-based MiG-29,” read an official statement. “The
pilot catapulted was delivered to the air carrier Admiral Kuznetsov by a rescue
crew. The pilot was not hurt, and is ready for future missions.”
The flagship of the Russian Navy, the Admiral Kuznetsov leads a
fleet positioned in the eastern Mediterranean, which has been conducting
reconnaissance missions over Syria since arriving in mid-October.
Russia’s only aircraft carrier is the base for over 20 fighter
jets, which have supplemented a similar-sized air force contingent at a land
base in Khmeimim, outside Latakia. The forces are in the region at the
invitation of President Bashar Assad, who requested Russia’s aid over a year
ago.
The
journey of the Admiral Kuznetsov from the northern coast of Russia, through the
English Channel, and past the Strait of Gibraltar was widely covered by the
Western media, which dubbed it a “projection of Russian power.” The aircraft carrier was reportedly
refused refueling stops in Spain and Malta, and was pictured being towed after
suffering from apparent technical difficulties, though this was denied by the
Russian authorities.
Russian officials have said that they are ready to deploy the
fleet's air force in the strikes on Aleppo, where a battle continues to rage
between government forces and Islamist rebel militias.
Original post: rt.com
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