(VOVworld) - The Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday the Russian Aerospace Forces have conducted a joint combat mission with the Syrian Air Force for the first time.

(Photo: Russian Defence Ministry)

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that Syrian Air Force's MiG-29 fighter jets have escorted Russian Su-25 bombers during an anti-terrorist aerial campaign over Syria.

Syrian fighters met the Russian attack aircraft, which had taken off from the Hmeymim airbase, and provided protection to the Russian aircraft throughout their flight to the attack point and on their way back.

A group of Syrian pilots had visited the Hmeymim airbase, where they improved cooperation with the Russian pilots and familiarized themselves with radio communication rules.