Russian and Syrian military pilots have conducted the first joint air patrol mission along the Golan Heights and the Euphrates River, the Russian Defense Ministry’s press office said.

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“The mission’s route ran along the Golan Heights, the southern border, the Euphrates River and over northern areas of the Syrian Arab Republic,” the press office said.

“Russian pilots took off from the Hmeymim Air Base, while Syrians took off from the Seikal and Dumayr airfields outside Damascus,” the press office added.

According to the press office, the mission involved Russian Sukhoi Su-34 (NATO reporting name: Fullback) and Su-35 (Flanker-E) planes and Beriev A-50 (Mainstay) early warning and control aircraft, as well as Syrian Mikoyan MiG-23 (Flogger) and MiG-29 (Fulcrum-D) planes.

“During the patrol mission, Syrian pilots monitored the airspace and provided cover, while Russian crews practiced attacks on ground targets,” the press office said.

The crews practiced missile launches against air and ground targets at a training range in central Syria.

“During the joint patrol mission, the pilots of the two friendly countries practiced interaction in various situations. Such joint missions will now become regular,” the press office added.

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