Belarus begins joint aviation exercises with Russia

Joint military tactical flight exercises of Belarusian and Russian aviation units began on Monday.

These units are part of the aviation component of the regional grouping of troops (forces).

This is reported by the Ministry of Defense of Belarus.

From the Russian side, the military formation of the aerospace forces takes part in the event.

The message of the Belarusian Ministry of Defense notes that the main goal of these joint exercises is allegedly “increasing interoperability during the joint performance of training and combat missions.”

The military plans to work out a wide range of issues, such as conducting air reconnaissance, joint patrols of airspace along the state border, aviation support for groups of troops, landing tactical air assault, delivery of cargo and evacuation of wounded.

The day before, at least 8 fighters and 4 cargo aircraft arrived from Russia in the Belarusian military airfield in Baranovichi.

According to the monitoring group “Belarus Gayun,” these are four Su-34 frontline bombers of the Russian Air Force with following registration numbers:

• RF-95001 – arrived at 16:05;
• RF- * * * * 4 – arrived at 16:05;
• RF-81853 – arrived at 16:40;
• RF-81862 – arrived at 16:50.

It is noted that two Su-34 of the Russian Federation Aerospace Forces were stationed in Baranovichi before this. Besides, the Belarusian airfield received four Su-30 multi-purpose fighters of the Russian Aerospace Forces with following registration numbers:

• RF-85805 – arrived at 15:50 (presumably Su-30);
• RF-85806 – arrived at 15:50 (presumably Su-30);
• RF-81874 – arrived at 16:20 from Kursk;
• RF-81875 – arrived at 16:20 from Kursk.

In addition, 4 military transport aircraft arrived in Baranovich on Sunday:

• An-12 of the Russian Aerospace Forces (RF-93586) – arrived at 12:46;
• Аn-12 of the Russian Aerospace Forces (RF-12560) – arrived at 17:05;
• Аn-26 of the Russian Aerospace Forces (RF-90319) – arrived at 17:10;
• Аn-12 of the Russian Aerospace Forces (RF-95409 – arrived at 17:50.

All airfields, as well as air force and air defense training areas of Belarus will be used to ensure tactical flight exercises.

Recently, Russia has deployed 9 helicopters to Belarus, namely Mi-8 and Mi-24 which arrived at the Machulishchi military air base. Joint flight tactical exercises are expected to last until February 1.