Russian reconnaissance aircraft will fly over parts of the United States this week through Saturday as part of obligations for the Treaty on Open Skies, U.S. officials said. It will mark the first Russian flights over the U.S. this year. The Russian observation aircraft can fly anywhere in a 3,000-mile radius from Montana under treaty obligations. “The United States has conducted three treaty missions over Russia so far in 2019,” Michael added. “Per treaty procedures, the United States will inspect the aircraft and U.S. observers will be on board the Russian aircraft to monitor all phases of the observation flight over U.S. territory, to ensure Treaty compliance.”The Treaty on Open Skies was established in 1992 to allow unarmed aerial observation flights over the territories of its 34-signatories to gather information about military forces and activities.

Source: Fox News March 25, 2019 20:26 UTC