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| Western Threats Increase, Russia And Belarus Begin Joint Air Force Exercises |
Moscow - Belarus and Russia started joint aviation and tactical exercises of aviation units in regional troop groups to improve their operational compatibility. The Belarusian Ministry of Defense revealed this on Monday (16/1/2023).
"Today, the joint tactical flight exercises of the aviation units of the Belarusian and Russian armed forces, which are part of the aviation component of the regional groups of forces, began," the Belarusian Ministry of Defense said. The main aim of the exercise is to improve troop interoperability in combat training tasks, the ministry added.
A unit of the Russian aerospace forces took part in the exercise. “A large number of tasks are scheduled to be practiced during practice. This includes carrying out aerial reconnaissance, joint patrols of airspace along national borders, providing air support for troop groups, landing tactical airborne troops, delivering cargo and evacuating wounded troops," the statement said.
All Belarusian Air Force and air defense bases were used during the exercises, according to the Belarusian Defense Ministry. The joint Russian and Belarusian drills will last until February 1.
Earlier in January, Belarusian Deputy Defense Minister Andrei Juk said the two countries would continue to train their armed forces, and this tactical flight exercise would be followed by various staff trainings and the large-scale joint exercise "Sword of the Union 2023".
Minsk has repeatedly stated that the task of the Russian-Belarusian regional troop group is purely defensive. The drills were held as security threats escalate amid fierce fighting between Russia and Ukraine aided by the Western alliance.