MOSCOW, 15 September (BelTA) – Belarusian Air Force units and tactical aviation units of the Western Military District of the Russian army are now carrying out joint missions in order to provide cover to marching troop trains and armored vehicle columns as part of the Belarusian-Russian strategic army exercise Zapad 2017, the press service of the Western Military District told BelTA.
According to the source, Belarusian and Russian air force units are working together under the supervision of the staff of the joint strategic army exercise Zapad 2017. The units are busy performing aerial reconnaissance in exercise areas and flying to provide fire support and escort to columns of troops on the ground.
The Belarusian-Russian strategic army exercise Zapad 2017 began on 14 September to end on 20 September. The chiefs of the general staffs of the Belarusian and Russian armies oversee the exercise. The main purpose of the exercise is to improve operational cohesion of staffs of different levels, connections between and compatibility of advanced troops control systems. New army regulations are practiced. Commanding officers of all ranks practice commanding troops taking into account the combat experience of modern armed conflicts. The Zapad 2017 exercise is the final stage in the joint army training efforts of Belarus and Russia.