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Russian spy aircrafts overfly Washington D.C.

Posted August. 11, 2017 08:13,   

Updated August. 11, 2017 08:56

한국어

An unarmed Russian Air Force aircraft flew over the Pentagon, the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Capitol to conduct reconnaissance activities.

According to CNN and ABC, Russia’s Tu-154 reconnaissance aircraft overflew downtown Washington D.C. and Camp David and Joint Base Andrews in Maryland between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (local time) at an altitude of around 3,700 feet (1,128 meters). The aircraft also conducted surveillance at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, passing over Bedminster, New Jersey, where President Donald Trump is vacationing.

The aerial spaces where the Russian aircraft flew were no-flight zones. The United States has significantly improved the aerial radar and anti-aircraft defense system in and around Washington D.C. since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. However, the Russian aircraft flew over the areas because of the Treaty on Open Skies, which allows military aircraft from 34 signatory nations, including the United States and Russia, to fly aerial observation flights to observe military sites. The purpose of the treaty is to enhance transparency and disclose information in order to prevent military actions by allowing the signatory nations to conduct aerial surveillance over one another on military forces and activities of concern to them.

U.S. Air Force aircrafts were reportedly flying near the Russian airplanes. A U.S. Air Force official confirmed that the U.S. also conducts aerial reconnaissance activities over Russia regularly.



Se-Hyung Lee turtle@donga.com