Belarus to get Russian combat jets to protect borders

PanARMENIAN.Net - Belarus will receive modern Russian-made combat jets to protect the airspace over the borders of the Russia-Belarus Union State, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said, according to RIA Novosti.

“We discussed many issues related to the Air Force. I asked for assistance and I got it,” Lukashenko told reporters on Friday, Sept 21, commenting on his recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

“In the near future, we will receive modern [Russian] aircraft to patrol our joint borders,” the Belarusian president said, without specifying the type of the warplanes.

Lukashenko explained that the combat jets in service with the Belarusian air force have become obsolete and worn out. “We could still use them if a war breaks out, but in the time of peace we need modern aircraft,” he said.

According to official data, the Belarusian air force has 38 Soviet-era MiG-29 and 17 Su-27 fighter jets capable of carrying out air patrol missions.

The Russia-Belarus Union State is a supranational entity formed in 1999 as a unique attempt at political and economic integration among the former Soviet republics.

Both countries have also made fairly great strides in regional military alignment, coordinated air defense and joint military maneuvers.