POLOTSK DISTRICT, 5 May (BelTA) – A battery of air defense missile systems S-300 has been deployed by the Polotsk District-based 377th Guards Air Defense Missile Regiment. Major-General Oleg Dvigalev, Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Belarusian army, helped commission the systems on 5 May, BelTA has learned.
The battery will start carrying out air defense missions starting 6 May. Oleg Dvigalev noted that the national air defense system is quite well-developed, it is being constantly modernized. “We also attend to combat duties as part of the united regional air defense system of Belarus and Russia,” said the officer.
The Polotsk District-based military personnel have been mastering the use of air defense missile systems S-300 since 2014. Before that they had S-75, S-125, and S-200 systems. “It is time for another stage of modernization of armaments of the Air Force and Air Defense troops and the military and technical cooperation between Belarus and Russia. Belarus has acquired a total of four air defense missile system batteries from Russia for free. Three of them have undergone major overhaul in Russia and one has done so in Belarus,” said Oleg Dvigalev.
The officer underlined that the Polotsk District-based regiment is ready to carry out most complicated combat missions. “The track record of the regiment is the proof of it. On 11 June we will mark the 55th anniversary of the regiment's deployment in Belarus while today's event represents another step in improving the military personnel's mastery of military hardware and another accomplishment of the troops, another milestone in acquiring the skills required to operate air defense missile systems,” noted the Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Belarusian army.
The Polotsk regiment has already been able to test such air defense systems in action during joint army exercises in Russia. “The battery has completely gone through the training cycle. This year we intend to arrange a live fire exercise at the Ashuluk firing range. We expect good results,” said Oleg Dvigalev.
The officer mentioned the importance of deploying the modern armaments in anticipation of Victory Day. “To the entire unit, to representatives of the air defense missile troops I wish more accomplishments, peace, warmth, and always clear skies above our motherland. I want our citizens to live peaceful lives, raise kids, and implement their plans,” concluded the Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Belarusian army.
