October 20, 2005 :: RIA-Novosti :: News
Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov announced that his department would be submitting a document to the government for the creation of a single regional air defense system between Russia and Belarus Union, reported RIA-Novosti on October 19. “The document, which specifies how the system will function, is passing through bureaucratic procedures,” said Ivanov, adding that Russia would soon be supplying Belarus with S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to build up the common regional air defense system.
On October 13, the Belarusian Defense Ministry told Interfax that the Belarusian military already receives data from the Russian radar situated in Hantsavichy in Brest Region, information sharing which is critical to the launch of interceptors against an aircraft or missile attack:
“The radar is designed to provide a missile attack early warning and monitor missile launches, possibly threatening Belarus. That is why data fed by the Russian radar is of paramount importance to Belarus,” an official said.
According to him, information support is one of the conditions for Russian military facilities’ presence in Belarus.
Among other conditions, Belarusian air defense units have been granted the right to conduct live firing exercises at Russian firing ranges. Belarusian units conduct such exercises on a regular basis at the Ashuluk firing range in Astrakhan Region, and other Russian proving grounds. Up to 10 battalions conduct live firing exercises on an annual basis. The Russian side provides systems, firing ranges and targets to this end.
At the present time Belarus accommodates the Uzel Baranavichy early warning radar in Hantsavichy, and the Russian navy command and control post, situated near the town of Vileyka.
(Article)» Interfax on Belarus-Russian Data sharing for joint air defenses
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