MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Tactical aircraft of North Atlantic Alliance states more than doubled flight intensity near borders of Russia and Belarus this year, Chief Commander of Russian Air Force Colonel General Viktor Bondarev told reporters on Tuesday.

“Overall number of flights by NATO tactical aircraft in regions bordering Russia and Belarus has more than doubled to exceed three thousand in 2014 against 2013,” Bondarev said.

NATO aircraft flights near Russian borders “are beyond comparison with flight intensity by Russian long-range aircraft,” the chief commander added.

The United States and NATO states have made flights of their spy planes much more intensive this year, particularly in the Baltic states. The number of flights makes 8-12 a week, the general said.

Reports on Russian warplanes' violations aim at distraction from NATO reinforcement

Viktor Bondarev said foreign media reports about Russian warplanes’ alleged violations of flight rules are destined to distract attention from NATO military forces being reinforced near Russian borders.

“Media fakes about the so-called violations of the flight rules by Russian warplanes are issued to call off attention of the world community from NATO air assault forces being reinforced near Russian borders,” he said.

Russian air force will continue planned training and will keep improving combat training of pilots and crews.

“Flights will be made in the areas of airfields and over oceans and seas strictly in compliance with international legislation and flight rules,” the chief commander noted.