Russia and Belarus are negotiating the number of Russian fighters to be deployed in Belarus, Voenno-promishlenniy Courier reports with reference to the ambassador of Belarus to Russia, Igor Petrishenko.

«At present four fighters of the Russian air forces are deployed in Baranovichi (Belarus) in order to protect the airspace of Russia and Belarus. The final number of fighters to be deployed in Belarus is being discussed,» he said.

In addition, I.Petrishenko said that this year Belarusian air forces and air defense forces would use Russian Ashuluk and Telemba firing ranges for practicing.

”Boevoye Sodruzhestvo – 2015” (stands for military comradeship) maneuvers, will include firing air defense systems, which are parts of CIS Air Defense System,» the official explained.

He reminded that this year Belarus would take delivery of four Yak-130 operational trainers and four divisions of S-300 air defense systems.

«The defense enterprises of the two countries are in close cooperation. For example, Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant secured orders from Russia representing the plant’s production until 2018,» the ambassador noted.

«In addition to the existing military-technical cooperation, Belarusian suppliers may be involved in Russia’s state procurement in future. Thus military cooperation with Russia is being carried out in the network of the Union State of Russia and Belarus and it is essential in terms of assuring the national security,» I.Petrishenko noted.