Il-76s transport Russian defence scientists to assist Italy
The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has sent 100 scientists and epidemiologists to Italy, along with eight medical teams to provide assistance in the country’s effort to stem the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The personnel flew to Italy on nine Il-76 military transport aircraft, which took off from the military-run Chkalovsky Airport near Moscow.
In a statement on 22 March, the MoD said: ‘A group of some 100 people is ready for the flight, which consists of leading specialists of the Russian Defence Ministry in the field of virology and epidemiology, who have major international experience in fighting against the epidemic along with modern equipment for diagnosing and carrying out disinfection efforts.’
Following a conversation on 21 March with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conti, Russian President Vladimir Putin committed to sending personal protective equipment and mobile aerosol disinfection systems on Kamaz trucks, as well as other medical equipment and personnel.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
