MINSK, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Belarusian air force and air defense forces on Tuesday started a series of operational-tactical exercises, according to the country's defense ministry.
The drills, scheduled to run from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10, are being overseen by Mikhail Matrosov, deputy commander of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces.
During the first phase of the exercises, the ministry said that units and military formations will focus on ensuring air defense coverage for protected facilities and troops against enemy aerial assaults, as well as practicing maneuvers for anti-aircraft missile units.
The second phase will take place at the Ashuluk training ground in Russia, where an active phase of the exercises will include live-fire training for aviation and anti-aircraft missile units.
Throughout the exercises, new methods and techniques for deploying units will be practiced, in line with the requirements for conducting combat operations in modern conditions. The initiative aims to enhance the preparedness of commanders and staff in managing units during operations to repel enemy air strikes, the ministry said.
