17 August 2025, 22:00

Belarusian military aviators to join Zapad 2025 exercise

MINSK, 17 August (BelTA) – Belarusian military aviators will take part in the Zapad 2025 strategic exercise, Andrei Lukyanovich, Commander of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense, said in an interview with STV television channel, BelTA reports.

“According to preliminary plans, they will be fully engaged,” Andrei Lukyanovich said when asked about the extent of aviation involvement in the exercise.

However, according to Andrei Lukyanovich, it is still premature to disclose details of the upcoming exercise. Elements of surprise are planned. “There are still some tasks we are not aware of. We are fully prepared to carry out any mission assigned to us by the leadership of the joint strategic exercise,” he said.

The commander of the Air Force and Air Defense also noted that all required flight hour standards are being met by flight crews thanks to timely and full aviation funding. “We have never had and currently have no issues with maintaining aircraft or supplying fuel and lubricants,” he stated.

Andrei Lukyanovich emphasized that the head of state pays extremely close attention to the development of military aviation. This is evidenced by the procurement of new aircraft.

Regarding mission priorities, the Air Force and Air Defense commander emphasized their diversity while underscoring the paramount task: safeguarding peaceful skies. “As guardians of our airspace and aerial borders, we maintain 24/7 air defense alert status. We see a consistent increase in UAV, reconnaissance aircraft, and tactical aviation activity. However, as the head of state noted, we are keeping our powder dry – while simultaneously modernizing our aircraft fleet,” he added.