Belarus to hold large-scale air force and air defense military training simulating combat
Photo: Military exercises in Belarus will be held from June 23 to 27 - (Getty Images)
From June 23 to 27, large-scale flight-tactical exercises are taking place in Belarus, involving the Air Force and Air Defense Forces, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense reports.
According to the Ministry, the military training will focus on the following objectives:
- Practicing the withdrawal of aviation units from the area of a simulated enemy airstrike;
- Supporting ground forces in search, containment, and destruction of enemy forces;
- Striking ground targets.
In addition, during the exercises, aircraft will provide fighter cover, conduct aerial reconnaissance, perform transport and airborne missions, and carry out evacuation of pilots in distress.
The Ministry also stated that the main focus of the drills is on improving command training.
"Particular attention will be given to enhancing command-level training and practical skills of flight crews in conducting combat operations, as well as to developing high combat and moral-psychological qualities among personnel," the statement says.
Military drills in Belarus
The joint Russian-Belarusian military exercise Zapad-2025 is scheduled for mid-September. Russia has claimed that the drills will be strictly defensive in nature, aimed at practicing joint actions to repel aggression against the Union State.
However, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, commenting on the upcoming Zapad-2025 exercise, stated that one of its objectives may be the covert buildup of offensive troop formations.
Military analyst David Sharp also noted that if significant Russian forces are transferred to Belarus as part of the autumn drills, this could theoretically indicate preparation for a new offensive.
In response to concerns, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense announced that the Zapad-2025 military exercise would be moved deeper into Belarusian territory, away from the EU borders, to ease the anxiety of neighboring countries, including Poland and Lithuania.
