NATO aviation drills begin in Baltics

TALLINN. April 7. KAZINFORM NATO states have begun a series of air defense exercises in the Baltic states, involving fighter jet flights over the countries' capitals, the Estonian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday, Kazinform refers to RIA Novosti.

The Western military alliance said earlier this month that during the Baltic Air Sovereignty Training Event II (BAST-E II), "the populations of the Estonian and Lithuanian Capitals may well see NATO fighter aircraft overfly their cities." "Onlookers in the vicinity of Riga International Airport will also see NATO fighter aircraft enacting a practice Air Policing exercise," the statement on NATO's website said. The one-day event is focused on improving air interoperability and developing of NATO air forces' capabilities. In carrying out the fly-bys, NATO aims "to highlight reaffirmed commitment to and ongoing solidarity with the three Baltic States", Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. Full version can be found at www.en.rian.ru