So dumb. First, it looks bad and paranoid. Second, it is a potential treasure trove of intelligence. Should have been collected and sent on another plane to be analyzed. Though I highly doubt there is anything there.
The second M-17 aircraft was used in the “Global Ozone Reserve” program in the early 1990s. During that period, the aircraft bore various inscriptions on its fuselage
M-70 flying-boat was ordered from Myasishchev by governmental resolution No. 1119-582 of August 15,1956 (similar aircraft were to be designed also by Tupolev and Beriev). Two versions were provided, a bomber and reconnaissance aircraft.