In the aviation unit of the Air Force within the Eastern Military District and the Air Defense Army, based in the Trans-Baikal Territory, the crew of Su-25 Grach attack aircraft conducted command training flights. This activity was confirmed by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, which noted that such exercises are an essential part of sustaining readiness and refining tactical procedures in real-world conditions.
The agency explained that the pilots performed the core and most demanding maneuvers associated with basic flight operations. These included flying at extremely low altitudes, navigating both day and night under challenging visibility, executing landings using instrument cues, and conducting agile maneuvers to evade potential threats or weapons systems. Each element was selected to push the crew’s coordination and decision-making to match advanced training standards and to simulate the pressures of frontline sorties.
The ministry indicated that during command flights, only the leadership of the aviation unit participated. The exercise served to develop and validate the methodology for executing flight tasks, forming a robust framework that can be applied to subsequent training of younger pilots. This approach ensures continuity in tactical proficiency as newer aircrew members transition from instruction to operational responsibility, fostering a disciplined and adaptive air grage of specialists.
Beyond the immediate flight tasks, the commanders also focused on organizing effective interaction with flight control groups and the units charged with providing flight shifts. The emphasis on coordination underscores the importance of seamless communication chains, synchronized planning, and timely execution of mission scripts under dynamic conditions. The training thus encompassed not only individual piloting skills but also the broader command-and-control ecosystem that supports successful missions in complex airspace.
Earlier reports highlighted additional aerial activity by the Russian Aerospace Forces, as Su-25 attack aircraft delivered FAB-500 high-explosive bombs to enemy positions in Avdiivka, within the Donetsk People’s Republic. The operation targeted positions deemed strategically critical for the progression of ground forces and aimed to disrupt enemy fortifications and supply lines. The engagement occurred at altitudes chosen to maximize effectiveness while maintaining survivability against defending air defenses, illustrating how air power is coordinated with ground operations in the evolving battle space.
Such strikes are part of a broader pattern of aerial campaigns that emphasize precision, timing, and the integration of air and ground components to shape battlefield dynamics. The use of the Su-25 family, renowned for its ruggedness and close-support capabilities, highlights a longstanding emphasis on delivering timely, tangible effect on targets while ensuring aircrew safety through discipline and trained coordination. The reporting by the ministry serves to reassure that training programs continue to adapt to contemporary operational expectations, reinforcing readiness in the face of evolving threats.
In the ongoing cycle of preparation, the training flights also provide opportunities to refine procedures for navigation, instrument landing system compatibility, and rapid sortie generation under varying weather and light conditions. Command leadership emphasizes risk assessment, mission planning, and post-flight analysis as integral components of the program. This structured approach helps sustain a high level of proficiency when crews transition from instructional flights to actual deployments in diverse theaters of operation.
Overall, the described exercises reflect a disciplined effort to maintain peak readiness within one of the armed forces’ most dynamic components. By pairing hands-on flight practice with strategic coordination tasks and post-flight evaluation, the command aims to cultivate a cadre of pilots who can operate effectively in demanding environments while preserving safety, situational awareness, and tactical flexibility for future missions.