15 December 2025, 17:59

Khrenin: Zimbabwe is eager to study Belarus’ experience in training fighter pilots

An archive photo

MINSK, 15 December (BelTA) – Zimbabwe is showing interest in Belarus’ experience in training fighter pilots, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin told BelTA.

“Today, we held productive talks with the Zimbabwean minister of defense. Most importantly, we see interest not only in the area of military training but also in joint production of small arms, ammunition, and optical devices. Our colleagues are very interested in training specialists in radiological, chemical, and biological protection. Navigation and topographic support, and unexpectedly pilot training also sparked significant interest,” Viktor Khrenin noted.

As reported earlier, negotiations were held in Zimbabwe between the Belarusian defense minister and the Defense Minister of Zimbabwe Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri. The Belarusian defense minister pointed out that an interdepartmental agreement on military cooperation was signed following the talks. “We went further. I proposed to consider, draft, and approve a cooperation plan for 2026 in the shortest possible time, which we will fill with certain activities. This indicates that today there is clear, direct interest in our experience. Our colleagues see that we are open and eager to share our experience, that we come with peaceful intentions and have no ulterior motives,” he said.

Viktor Khrenin added that sanctions pressure is an opportunity. “We have been living under sanctions for more than a year. Do we really feel them? No. Especially the servicemen. We see interest during the meetings, trips, and cooperation plans that we have. We have gained even more friends. No sanctions prevent us from working and sharing our experience,” the head of the Belarusian defense ministry emphasized.

Photo courtesy of the Belarusian Defense Ministry's news agency Vayar