Lukashenko, Putin agreed to train crews of Belarusian army aircraft with special ammunition
Belarus and Russia have agreed to train the crews of combat aircraft of the Belarusian army, which have already been re-equipped for the possible use of air-launched ammunition with special warheads – as Russian President Vladimir Putin told journalists after the talks with the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, BelTA reports
According to the Russian President, during the negotiations, the leaders of the two countries discussed the formation of a common defence space and security, including co-operation within the CSTO, where Belarus will preside from 2023.
Vladimir Putin noted that joint military planning is being carried out in the Union State, and a regional grouping of troops is operating. At present, activities of combat co-ordination of combat formations and military units of the two countries are being carried out on the territory of Belarus. A unified air defence system has been created and is on combat duty. According to the President, the parties agreed to continue to jointly take all the necessary measures to ensure reliable security, to give priority to the training of troops, increasing their combat readiness, to continue the practice of regular joint exercises and mutual supply of weapons.
The President of Russia said that an agreement had also been reached to continue the implementation of Belarus’ proposals to train the crews of combat aircraft of the Belarusian army, which have already been re-equipped for the possible use of air-launched ammunition with special warheads. According to him, this form of interaction is not an invention of Belarus and Russia. Such practice exists in other countries and blocs.
Aleksandr Lukashenko confirmed the relevant agreements. According to him, the training of aircraft crews is currently underway.
“Based on the current situation along the perimeter of the borders, we have discussed some important details of co-operation in military security. I thank you, Vladimir Vladimirovich, that we found mutual understanding, support and made the necessary decisions on all topics. I’m especially grateful to you (and not only me and the military) for keeping your promise. Today we put on combat duty the S-400 complex, which you handed over to Belarus, and most importantly, the Iskander complex, which you also, having promised six months ago, handed over to us,” the Belarusian Head of State said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko continued, “You have just carefully touched upon a very sensitive topic (but we are not the authors of it) on the preparation and training of our crews [of aircraft] capable of carrying special weapons and special ammunition. I must tell you that we have prepared aircraft. It turned out that we have had such aircraft since Soviet times. We have tested them in the Russian Federation. Together with the Russians, we are now training crews capable of piloting these aircraft carrying special ammunition.”
“This is not a threat to anyone. I met you several times in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Sochi and informed you that we were very worried about the tensions along the perimeter of the Union State borders, primarily, in the west. And we had to secure the Belarusian state. You have taken a decisive and very important step in supporting Belarus. Many thanks to you again,” the Belarusian leader summed up.
