MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Russia’s naval aviation will receive 25 newly-built and five upgraded aircraft by the end of this year, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said during a distance conference on Monday.
"The complexity of current tasks requires continued upgrade and renewal of the fleet of naval aircraft. This year it will get 25 new and five upgraded aircraft," Shoigu said.
Naval aviation, he said, is on combat duty in all areas of the world ocean and is heavily involved in anti-piracy and search and rescue operations. Part of the forces is used for anti-sabotage and air defense purposes in remote areas and areas with adverse weather conditions.
"Anti-submarine planes fly regular missions over the seas and oceans providing Russia’s reliable protection under water," he said.
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Shoigu emphasized the need for manning Russia’s naval ships by contract servicemen.
"It is very clear that over just twelve months a conscript who is fresh from school finds it rather hard to master an intricate military specialty. In the meantime, those who have managed to do so have to be dismissed soon upon the expiration of the term of service.
Shoigu believes that expensive naval equipment is to be used only by well-trained personnel. For this reason a number of rank-and-file and non-commissioned officers’ vacancies must be filled exclusively by contract servicemen.