ASTRAKHAN (Sputnik) — The integrated air defense network of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries, can be expanded if necessary due to new global threats, First Deputy Commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces Lt. Gen. Pavel Kurachenko told reporters Wednesday.
"The existing composition of manpower and resources is sufficient for the successful fulfillment of air defense tasks, but for an adequate response to new challenges and threats, it can be increased by a decision of the Council of Defense Ministers of the CIS member states," Kurachenko said.
He said that currently the integrated air defense network included 19 air units and 38 units of anti-aircraft missile troops.
Air defense units of six CIS states – Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia – would take part in the drills while other members of the integrated CIS air defense network would have an observer status.
An integrated air defense network was set up by 10 CIS-member countries in 1995 and currently comprises air defense units and elements from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan.
