Military exercises "West-2021" to be held on September 10-16

18 января 2021

The Belarusian-Russian military exercises "West-2021" will be held on September 10-16. This became known following the meeting between Alexander Lukashenko and Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin.

The maneuvers will have only defensive goals. It is more relevant than ever. NATO military units are growing in Poland and the Baltic countries every year. And our country needs to be ready for any challenge. So, according to the plan, "West-2021" will take place immediately in the territory of both Belarus and Russia. This will allow us to work out the tactics of fighting in cities with small units.

The main goal for militaries is the defense of the country. 2021 is also the year of a new military five-year plan. It is necessary to take stock of the past and outline tasks for a new year. This means equipping with modern technologies, military camps, material provision with everything necessary. The Belarusian army employs about 65 000 people. 1/3 of them are civilian personnel. There are about 5 000 units. By the way, according to the international rating Global Firepower, the combat effectiveness of the Belarusian Armed Forces is assessed as high. That will also be tested in practice within the framework of "West-2021".

Also, during the conversation with journalists, the minister shared the data of the Belarusian army over the past five years. About 500 pieces of equipment were adopted for service. Half of them is modernized. New SU-30 SM combat aircraft and Mi-8 helicopters and, of course, the Polonaise multiple launch rocket system and the Tor antiaircraft complexes appeared at the disposal of our aviators. By the way, all these are Belarusian developments.