On February 23, the country celebrated one of the most loved and warm national holidays the Day of Defender of the Fatherland. Sometimes it is seen as Men's Day and almost a gender holiday, but, of course, it is not. February 23 is a holiday for all who love Russia, works for it and thus protects it. And yet, especially on this day, the country congratulates those for whom military service is fate and pride. Dmitry Petrov will tell about holiday events held this Thursday and more.

Completed are two months of military service in foreign seas, 18 thousand miles, 420 sorties, 1200 destroyed targets, which include command posts of militants of ISIS, arsenals, depots with fuel. All tasks performed. On the festival day, on the Day of Defender of the Fatherland, the Commander in Chief hosts sailors, warrant officers, and officers from the heavy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in the Kremlin.

What the president says becomes a real revelation for many: "The Minister and the Chief of Staff know that it was my personal initiative to hold your campaign and prepare for it. When I formulated this task to the Minister, my idea was based on several considerations. First, in 1991, the aircraft carrier joined the armed forces, but since then, it has mostly been performing training and demonstrative tasks. Therefore, the goal set for the industry sector was, in the first place, to prepare everything properly and create an appropriate Air Force platform. The task was a difficult and complex one. It's nice to know that you coped with all of its components".

When Putin says "you", of course, he has in mind each one of the five thousand sailors of the Northern Fleet, who participated in this historic campaign. After all, apart from Admiral Kuznetsov, the aircraft carrier group consisted of several ships. First of all, it was the flagship, heavy nuclear missile cruiser Peter the Great, as well as small missile ships Serpukhov, Zeleny Dol, and Mirage, a marine tanker and a rescue oceangoing tug. Deployment of the full fighting order is a forced necessity. When very close, within a few miles, there are patrol ships of the unfriendly NATO countries, task set out by the command must be carried out. They provided support for the legitimate government of Syria and defended their homeland in the distant seas.

Putin: "According to the main intelligence directorate of the General Staff, according to our intelligence services, such as the Federal Security Service, for example, there were about 4000 of Russian soldiers and 5000 soldiers from the former Soviet Union. Given the fact that we have a visa-free regime between almost all the countries of the former Soviet Union, we understand the great danger that exists because of this hotbed of terrorism in Syria for us specifically, for Russia. And by performing combat missions far from the borders of our country, you directly contributed to providing security for the Russian Federation".



It was the first time since its fabrication that Admiral Kuznetsov performed tasks in a real combat situation, as well as the whole Air Force wing. These are fighter aircraft Sukhoi Su-33 and Mikoyan MiG-29K. Both are ship-based. Ka-52K Katran Helicopters. Compared to the land-based modification, the Katran has a significantly increased firepower. It has a new laser-beam guidance system for guided weapons. Because of a new radar station, it sees farther, up to 200 kilometers. The Mikoyan MiG-29K is smaller and lighter than Sukhoi Su-33, which means that a carrier can take more of them.

Besides, it has reduced radio detection, improved corrosion protection, air refueling system, as well as new engines. And now it's not only an air defense fighter, but a multi-purpose fighter in general. Avionics and radar station are of the fifth generation. The equipment generally allows the pilot not to be distracted from flying. Indeed, the aiming equipment of this version of Mikoyan MiG-29K works better than on other machinery. It doesn't only work efficiently, but the pilot can initially plan his actions, because indicators show the tactical situation. In this deployment, along with the veterans of carrier-based aircrafts, who have been performing tasks from aircraft carriers for more than a dozen years, combat missions were performed by young pilots, who are the future of naval aviation".

And a gift to the president from the crew for the holiday. A three-quarter full face portrait of the hero. It was made during the historic deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. According to the tradition of the Day of Defender of the Fatherland, there was a ceremony of laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. President fixed the ribbon and then came to each of the memorials of hero-cities and towns of military glory with a bouquet of carnations.