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Russia's defense industry

Issue of Russian air base in Belarus considered in political dimension — defense minister

It is too early to talk about transfer of Su-27 aircraft and Mi-8 helicopters from Russia

Russia's Su-27 fighter ITAR-TASS/Igor Zarembo

Russia's Su-27 fighter

© ITAR-TASS/Igor Zarembo

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Russian military bases abroad

MINSK, June 17. /TASS/. The issue of stationing a Russian aviation base in Belarus is being considered in the political dimension, Belarusian Defense Minister Gen. Lt. Andrey Ravkov told TASS in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

"The timeframe and place of stationing a Russian aviation base on the territory of Belarus is currently in the political dimension of consideration," Ravkov said. "It is too early to talk about transfer of Su-27 aircraft and Mi-8 helicopters from the Russian Federation," he continued. "However, our defense ministry is ready to undertake all necessary measures to practically fulfill this," he added.

Ravkov reminded that this year, Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces received four Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft from Russia under the contract. "The issue of signing new contracts on delivering another batch of Yak-130 aircraft will be considered after we assess the operation of four received aircraft," the defense minister said.

In October 2014, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force Lt. Gen. Viktor Bondarev announced that Russia will station an air base in Belarus’ Babruysk in 2016. "The Russian Air Forces air base in Belarus will be created in 2016. Su-27 fighter jets will be based there," Bondarev said.

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Belarus concerned about NATO build-up along its border

Belarus is concerned with NATO’s deployment of additional military contingents near its borders, including those equipped with heavy weaponry, Ravkov said.

"Along with strengthening the aviation component of NATO member-countries in the Baltics States and Poland that perform the functions of hoarding the airspace, the Alliance is gradually concentrating additional military contingents equipped with heavy weaponry near the Belarusian borders," Ravkov said.

The defense minister noted that "the end of 2014 was marked by increasing military activity of neighboring countries, intensifying activities of operational and combat training." "Regardless of geopolitical prerequisites for such decisions made by our foreign partners, Belarus cannot ignore changes in the military-political situation in the region, that bear additional risks, challenges and threats to the country’s military security," Ravkov added.

He stressed that the Belarusian leadership took into consideration those aspects when developing the Plan of Preparation for the Armed Forces in 2014-2015, and it is "practically reflected in carrying out activities of operational and combat training planned for this year."

Belarus proceeds from the disposition that "no country is currently seen as a potential enemy," Ravkov said. However, "every country has the right to protect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," he noted. "Trained armed forces are needed for that, and we treat with understanding the training activities of the armed forces of other countries," the defense minister continued. "We also want our neighbors to demonstrate similar understanding," he concluded.

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Belarus Russian defense industry

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Men of conscription age try to leave the country in every possible way, often putting their lives at risk

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US State Department confirms secret shipments of long-range ATACMS missiles to Kiev

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Belarusian KGB reports thwarting attempted drone strikes on Minsk from Lithuania

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UNSC rejects amendment by Russia, China to resolution on nuclear weapons in outer space

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European Parliament urges EU states to regard Russian presidential vote as illegitimate

The resolution passed in a 493-11 vote, with 18 abstentions

Ukraine could send special forces to capture Zaporozhye NPP — politician

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US nukes in Poland to become target for Russia should confrontation with NATO occur — MFA

"The impression is that Warsaw is maniacally seeking to attract even more attention from military planners in the Russian General Staff," Maria Zakharova added

Russian troops wipe out Ukrainian UAV production workshop over past day

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US draft on nukes in space seeks to go beyond legal framework Russia adheres to — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Russia reaffirms its "strict commitment" to the international legal obligations under space law

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Kremlin vows to resolve situation with Turkish Airlines refusing service to Russians

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