Belarus to enhance air defence

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said the former Soviet republic plans to employ advanced Russian-made fighter jets in as part of attempts to boost its air defense. "We have a joint air defense system. We talked a lot concerning the air force. I requested support and I have got it. In the near future we will get modern aircraft to put on duty at the border," RIA Novosti quoted Lukashenko as telling reporters. He further explained that the operating life of the military aircraft Belarus uses now is about to expire. The Belarusian leader, however, did not specify the type of the warplanes his country will receive from Russia. The relevant agreement was reached between Lukashenko and Putin at a recent meeting in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi. According to official data, the Belarusian air force has 38 Soviet-era MiG-29 and 17 Su-27 fighter jets capable of carrying out air patrol missions.