Russian inspectors are making an observation flight over the U.S. territory on board of a Tu-154M Lk-1 aircraft under the International Treaty on Open Skies, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

China possible customer of Russian Sukhoi Su 57 stealth fighter jet Tupolev TU-154M-LK1 (Picture source: Clément W. )

"An observation flight to a maximum range close to 5,130 kilometers will take place from the Great Falls Open Skies airfield in a period from August 11 to 19," the ministry said.

The Russian aircraft will fly on a route agreed with and approved by the party observed while the U.S. experts on its board will control the use of the surveillance equipment and compliance with the provisions of the Treaty on Open Skies.

Observation flight under the treaty are made for the purpose of making the military activities of the signatory states more open and transparent as well as for strengthening security through confidence-building measures.

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