A communications test was carried out by Russian and American fighter pilots over the skies of Syria on Tuesday as part of a test to ensure that there will be no accidental confrontations between pilots.
The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that both American and Russian warplanes were running communications tests over the skies of Syria. This communications test was to assure the world that Russia and the United States are not involved in joint exercises or missions. The Russians had previously announced that the two nations were carrying out a joint military exercise.
Last month the U.S. and Russia agreed to certain formal safety protocols in an effort to try and avoid any accidental contact or confrontation, reports CBS News. The Pentagon stated that the communications test between an American fighter and a Russian fighter was to ensure that the communications channels between the two pilots worked according to the safety protocol agreement.
The communication between the two pilots was relayed back to their individual command and control centers. From there, a hotline was used for the communication between pilots. It was a quick test of about three minutes which took place over the skies in central Syria. The warplanes were about five miles apart when the test took place. On Tuesday, the Russians had announced publicly that the communications test had been a joint military exercise between the two nations.
As both superpowers continue to become more involved militarily in the Syrian civil war, both sides are working hard to avoid any potential confrontations. The protocols established last month are meant to make certain that particular steps are followed should the military forces of each nation come into contact with one another.
The Russians have begun to move forces toward the Islamic State stronghold in Palmyra. The Russians have moved attack helicopters to a base within fifty miles of the ancient city. The Islamic State captured the 2,000 year old city over the summer. Since then, they have carried out numerous brutal and public executions. In addition, the Islamic State has looted priceless ancient artifacts from the city and sold them on the black market as well as continuing to destroy many of the ancient structures and temples there.
