Russia, US, Canada to hold anti-terror exercise

Moscow: The Russian, American and Canadian Air Forces will hold a joint anti-terrorism exercise August 08-11, a top Russian official said on Monday.

The Russian Air Force and NORAD - the US and Canadian joint Air Defence command - will take part in the second edition of the exercises, said Igor Muginov, commander-in-chief of the eastern military district.

The first Russian-NORAD joint anti-terrorism drills - dubbed Vigilant Eagle - took place in 2010.

"The main aim of the drills is to improve the Russian Air Force`s and NORAD`s capabilities for fighting terrorism in the air," he said.

The exercises will include AWACS (airborne early warning and control) and refuelling aircraft, as well as combat aircraft, he added.

IANS