MINSK, 23 June (BelTA) – The exposition of weapons and military hardware will be instituted in the CSTO, Secretary General of the CSTO Stanislav Zas said at the opening ceremony of the 10th edition of the international defense technology expo MILEX 2021, BelTA informs.
“In terms of modern challenges and threats connected with manifestations of international terrorism, extremism, cybercrimes, illegal drug trade, the need to ensure military security, the Collective Security Council of the CSTO member states draws much attention to the development of defense industry complexes of our states, development, production and equipment of collective forces with modern samples of military hardware and special equipment. The exposition of weapons and military hardware which are annually held in the member states of our organization largely contribute to that. In order to further improve the advertising and exposition work we have put forward a proposal to organize the exposition of weapons and military hardware in the CSTO format, and we are grateful for the support of this initiative on behalf of the member states of our organization. I am convinced that the fulfillment of this initiative will give additional opportunities for the establishment of closer cooperation and integration ties,” Stanislav Zas said.
According to the CSTO secretary general, the MILEX expo has become a good tradition. “It is good that in the current complicated period of limited freedom of movement and the deterioration of all logistical ties the organizers of the forum managed to preserve this tradition and gather us together. This is already a victory which has promoted the MILEX expo as a trademark of the Belarusian defense industry complex. The samples of military hardware and equipment which are on display at the expo convincingly demonstrate the scientific, technical and industrial potential of the Belarusian economy. The country is by right considered one of the global manufacturers of high-quality and reliable weapons, military and special equipment. I am convinced that the scientific and technical potential in various field which was created by the military industry will ensure further progress,” he said. “I think that as part of the business program of the expo we will have an opportunity to discuss many issues connected with the integration of the defense industry complexes, including of the member states of our organization.”
In terms of scale and goals, participants and infrastructure, MILEX is considered one of the largest expos in the Eastern European region. Since 2001, this large-scale defense industry expo has traditionally attracted the attention of major domestic and foreign manufacturers of military products. Its main goals are to showcase the products of the Belarusian defense industry, innovative solutions, and to demonstrate the capabilities of enterprises in upgrading, overhauling military hardware and providing services to the Armed Forces.
MILEX 2021 is featuring over 300 samples of cutting-edge weapons, military hardware, and special hardware of Belarusian make alone. As many as 177 of them are showcased for the first time. Eighty-eight products are upgraded ones.
