{"id":47275,"date":"2018-09-20T14:44:31","date_gmt":"2018-09-20T14:44:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2018\/09\/20\/us-reverses-course-certifies-russian-open-skies-aircraft\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T23:41:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T23:41:31","slug":"us-reverses-course-certifies-russian-open-skies-aircraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/pentagon-congress\/2018\/09\/20\/us-reverses-course-certifies-russian-open-skies-aircraft\/","title":{"rendered":"US reverses course, certifies Russian Open Skies aircraft"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON \u2014 A week after refusing to certify<\/a> a Russian aircraft for use in Open Skies Treaty overflights, the U.S. has reversed course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Sept. 10, the U.S. declined to certify that equipment aboard a Russian Tu-214 was in compliance with the treaty, which allows the 34 members to fly over each other\u2019s territory<\/a> to verify military movements and conduct arms control measures. It was just the latest issue over Open Skies in recent years<\/a>, which has seen both Russia and the U.S. block access to certain facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, on Sept. 18, the U.S. changed its mind and indeed certified the aircraft. Per a State Department official, the decision to certify followed \u201can extensive review and inspection process involving experts from the United States and many of our Allies and partners. This process has verified that the Russian aircraft and sensor meets all Treaty requirements for certification.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The official noted, however, that there are no dates scheduled for a next flight, either from Russia or the U.S., due to the ongoing issues surrounding the treaty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are actively working with our Allies and partners to strengthen the Open Skies Treaty and to resolve issues of mutual concern such as the impasse at the Open Skies Consultative Commission that continues to delay the commencement of treaty flights in 2018,\u201d the official added.<\/p>\n\n\n\t