MINSK, August 13. /TASS/. A grouping of the Belarusian Air Force comprising 16 aircraft and helicopters will take part in joint exercises in the Russian territory this autumn, the republic’s Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
"In autumn this year, the Belarusian aviation grouping consisting of 16 aircraft and helicopters will participate in joint operational training events due to be held at a firing ground in Russia," the ministry said.
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In late September or early October, the servicemen will also practise landing military aircraft on the airfield part of a road near the town of Dzerzhinsk, near the Belarusian capital Minsk.
Further modernization and purchases of new samples of weaponry and equipment remain "a priority for the development of the Air Force and Air Defense forces," according to the ministry.
In April, the 116th guards assault air base received modern Yak-130 trainer aircraft from Russia. "A contract for purchasing four more aircraft of this type is expected to be signed in the near future," it said.
A contact has been also inked for the purchase of 12 modern Mi-8 MTB-5 helicopters "which have higher combat capabilities compared with the equipment used now."