Russia on Friday will mark Air Force Day, introduced under a presidential decree of August 29, 1997. The main festivities on the occasion are held on the third Sunday of August.

In all military districts Air Force will be meeting with veterans. The best officers will be receiving government awards.

Russia’s Air Force was created on August 12, 1912.

Air Force Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Mikhailov told the media on the eve of the holiday “long-range aviation is a major global deterrent.”

Six long-range strategic missile carriers and bombers will be taking part in the joint Russian-Chinese military exercise Peace Mission 2005, due later this month.

MOSCOW, August 12 (Itar-Tass)