Russia begins supplies of air defense systems to Belarus :: Charter'97 :: News

Russia has begun supplies of modern S-300PS defense systems to Belarus, Air Force chief Vladimir Mikhailov told Itar-Tass upon arriving in the Belarusian capital on Monday. "Belarusians are literary fine fellows, doing everything on time and even slightly pacing ahead, in order to receive the modern air defense missile systems," Mikhailov said.

Belarusian specialists have been working in Russia for five months, "controlling the quality of repairs and shipments and other issues related to the purchase of new S-300 units," he went on to say.

Answering a question about a possible deployment of Russian air bases in Belarus, the General said "we have the intention to strengthen our military-technical cooperation, and the deployment of our air bases is envisioned as contingency case."

"But this will not happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. It`s a perspective," Mikhailov underlined.

He noted that all the air bases in the Republic of Belarus are "in good conditions, and are ready to receive us anytime."

"We, too, are ready to fly over and begin duty at a specific command," the Russian Air Force chief said.