Belarus conducts unannounced air force, air defence inspection

Belarus is carrying out a large-scale inspection of its Air Force and Air Defence Forces on the orders of President Alexander Lukashenko, State Secretary of the Security Council Alexander Volfovich told journalists.

Volfovich said the inspection continues to test the combat readiness of the Armed Forces. He noted that the president had set the main task for the military this year as maintaining established levels of combat readiness, high training standards, and coordination of command and control bodies in performing their duties, Caliber.Az reports via Belarusian media.

Volfovich emphasised that the inspection of the Air Force and Air Defence Forces is particularly relevant because these units protect the country’s airspace and borders even during peacetime, and are also responsible for the Union State and the western strategic direction within the CSTO. He said the forces must be capable of countering modern challenges and threats.

The large-scale inspection began on January 16 to obtain an objective assessment of the troops and the performance of military personnel. Volfovich explained that the measures are being carried out without prior notice, and that the president is directly bringing units to combat readiness, bypassing the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff.

By Sabina Mammadli