Russian and Mongolian servicemen will for the first time practice joint flights onboard Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name: Hip) helicopters at the Selenga international exercise, the Russian Eastern Military District’s press office told TASS.

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Mi-8AMTSh helicopter (Picture source: Air Recognition)

“The joint Russian-Mongolian exercise Selenga taking place in Mongolia involves Eastern Military District army helicopters. Eastern Military District flight crews are performing joint flights with pilots of the Mongolian Air Force onboard Mi-8 helicopters for the first time,” the press office said.

The task is complicated as the Nalaikh airfield where the helicopters have temporarily been deployed and the Doityn Am training range are located in high-mountain terrain 1,600 meters above the sea level.

“Mountainous conditions require special and thorough training in terms of piloting techniques from the flight personnel. Servicemen of the Russian and Mongolian air forces are preparing for flights jointly, servicing the helicopters and exchanging experience,” the press office said.

The flight crews will for the first time practice the new double envelopment technique. Mi-24 (Hind) helicopters separate in the air, flying to the target in pairs from two opposite directions simultaneously.

During the Selenga exercise, the servicemen will practice evacuating notional injured soldiers with helicopters. They will also conduct air mining of areas alongside a simulated enemy’s potential advance.

“During a stage of the exercise, tactical airborne assault forces of friendly countries will be airlifted by Mi-8AMTSh helicopters to the assigned area to eliminate the notional enemy,” the press office said.

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