Evgeniy Thapaev died when the helicopter he was piloting crashed during a training flight.

A picture taken by the Russian Defense Ministry just before the crash shows a man in camouflage sitting in the helicopter and his head resting on its side. The helicopter was taken out of the air on Feb. 12, 2007. The accident happened minutes after the helicopter’s engine suddenly failed. The pilot reportedly saw a rocket streaking toward the helicopter and then ejected along with the helicopter’s occupants.

Dmitry Khorozhenkov also died in the crash.

Russia is preparing for a huge anti-terrorism exercise this week in a bid to stop possible attacks on military facilities.

In a joint statement with the US, NATO defense ministers plan to launch exercises “to enhance the country’s military readiness, counter a potential threat, and protect the nation’s security and territorial integrity”.

The exercise is expected to last up to two days with some 2,000 NATO partners and the United States participating. At approximately the beginning of next week, the exercise will also target airliners.

The exercises will focus on security, air defense, and air traffic management.

The exercises are expected to last up to two days with some 2,000 NATO allies and the United States participating.