Air defense brigade joins combat readiness drills

March 20, Pozirk. Commanders have issued a combat readiness order to the 120^th air defense missile brigade in Baranavičy, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense reported.

This is part of the comprehensive combat readiness drills conducted in response to NATO’s Steadfast Defender, a multi-domain exercise from late January to late May near Belarus’ borders.

“Large numbers of reservists have been called up,” said Eduard Žmakin, deputy commander for ideology at the Air/Air Defense Troops. Soldiers are on a march to the designated area.

During the ongoing maneuvers, instructors also teach reservists tactical medical skills at a range in Lepel, Viciebsk region.

“All instructors are well-prepared after completing courses in Russia. All our knowledge will be useful in civilian life also,” said instructor Artur Bukata.

Two weeks ago Viktar Hulevič, chief of staff and first deputy defense minister, announced that the ongoing comprehensive combat readiness exercise will be expanded.

On March 19, the defense ministry said it called up 5,000 reservists for training.