Posted: 06.01.2023 13:41:00

Belarus, Russia to hold joint tactical flight exercise

In order to increase the level of combat training of aviation units of the Armed Forces of Belarus and Russia, which are part of the aviation component of the regional group of troops, the two states will hold a joint tactical flight exercise – as informed by Belarus’ Deputy Defence Minister, Andrei Zhuk, commenting on the results of President Aleksandr Lukashenko's visit to the 230th combined arms training ground Obuz-Lesnovsky


“In line with the decisions of the presidents of Belarus and Russia, since the end of October [2022], preparations and measures of combat co-ordination of the joint regional group of troops have been carried out on the territory of Belarus,” Mr. Zhuk said. “The peculiarity of this year's training is that we are engaged in the same programmes, we use the same instructors of both the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. The preparation was carried out in such basic areas as tactical training, fire training, the ability to provide first aid. Of course, emphasis was placed on engineering training, and later team building for crews, units, platoons, and troops was organised.”

According to Mr. Zhuk, many different complex classes, combat shooting and tactical exercises were held at each stage. “At the moment, we can assert that the regional group of troops is ready to defend the Union State, and we will improve our training in the future. A joint tactical flight exercise is beginning on the territory of Belarus, and various kinds of joint staff training are planned. The 2023 Shield of the Union joint exercise will become one the stages of our preparation,” he explained.

In turn, the commander of the Russian formation added that joint trainings of the kind always unite the military team. “We have got acquainted with our Belarusian comrades, with officers. It was very pleasant to communicate and share experiences with each other. Our unit arrived at the Belarusian training grounds in October as part of creation of the joint group of troops. Since then, we have conducted joint comprehensive exercises of motorised rifle and tank units with participation of instructors from both sides. We have also had tactical training classes, conducted co-ordination of headquarters, organised interaction, including providing the group with everything necessary to complete the tasks. At the moment, we continue our training – getting prepared for the implementation of joint tasks within the framework of the Union State,” he said.