Russian fighter showed worthlessness of Lithuanian air defence force
Russian air forces commander-in-chief Vladimir Mikhailov told that in speech in pilots combat training center in Torzhok.
"The accident of Russian Su-27 fall showed full worthlessness of Lithuanian air forces and air defense? Can you imagine the situation? we did not plan to explore force and sources of Lithuanian air defense at all but t appeared to be worthless? Although I should stress that much vaunted German pilots of NATO were on duty that day. I wonder, whether they were drinking beer?", - Mikhailov said.
It was said earlier that two German fighters F-4 were raised to catch the Su-27 in the day of accident, on 15th of September, but it fell down before Germans reached it.
Meanwhile he finds the accident itself "shameful as flights arrangement of that pilots group". "I do not want to talk about whether pilot is guilty or not. But certain slight was committed", - Mikhailov stressed.
Mikhailov also told that he considers right the decision of Minister of Defence of Lithuania about Lithuanian air forces commander-in-chief being discharged. The discharge of colonel Jonas Marcinkus was pronounced on 26th of September. Lithuanian Ministry of Defence blamed him for failure in securing air borders.
Talking about Russian pilot Valerii Trojanov arrest, Mikhailov said that he will be sent back home "very soon". "The pilot will be brought back very soon? The thing that he is still under arrest is another politics game", - commander-in-chief said.
Mikhailov also noted that there is no sense in lifting up the Su-33 fighter, which fall to the Atlantic ocean from "Admiral Kuznetsov" carrier on 5th of September. "It is not worth the trouble to spend sources and lift the plane up, what is more, it lies over 1000 meters under the water? there are no dangers, radiation from the plane. Let the plane stay under water", - Mikhailov said.
Mikhailov explained that emergency mechanisms worked on the plane consequently to hit on water and in result there are no any secret codes in the plane. He refused to give any comments on the process of investigation of the accident and said that it is under naval forces responsibility. "Of course mistakes most likely were made, particularly in weight control, but special commission investigates the case", - air force commander-in-chief said.
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