Events

BARANOVICHI, 10 December (BelTA) - A wing of Su-27P aircraft have been put on combat duty to protect the airspace of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, BelTA learnt from the Belarusian Defense Ministry.

Air force and air defense crews of Belarus together with the First Command of the Air Force and Air Defense of Russian Armed Forces were put on combat duty at the 61st fighter airbase of the Belarusian air force and air defense troops on 10 December to secure the air defense of the Union State.

A wing of four Su-27P aircraft belonging to Russia’s Air Force is currently deployed at the fighter airbase in Baranovichi.

“This step is a practical implementation of the agreements which have been reached earlier. It is designed to increase the effectiveness of the united regional air defense system of Belarus and Russia,” the Defense Ministry noted.

The Ministry added that the joint combat duty aimed at securing air defense allows increasing military capabilities of the duty Air Force units, which improves security and defense of Belarus’ air space in the west.

The supersonic all-weather fighter-interceptor Su-27 is designed to secure supremacy in the air and destroy the enemy in long-range missile combat and close combat which requires rapid maneuvers. The fighter is equipped with two engines and is piloted by a crew of one. Its maximum speed is 1,400kmh and the maximum range is 3,000km. The armaments include guided air-to-air missiles on 10 mounts. The fighter also has a cannon and passive jammers.