Russia, Belarus To Form Joint Defense Mechanism In Two Years

Russia and Belarus have agreed to form a joint armed defense mechanism of the Union State within two years.

"We have approved [at the collegium meeting] the plan of joint activities for 2016-2018 that is aimed at formation of a military organization of the Union State, the establishment of a reliable mechanism for its armed defense," Russian Defense Minister, General Sergey Shoigu was quoted as saying to reporters by Tass on Wednesday after a joint collegium meeting with Belarusian Defense Minister.

According to the minister, the collegium also discussed implementation of the agreement on joint guarding of the external borders and combat duty within the framework of the Unified Regional Air Defense System in Belarus

Shoigu separately addressed the issue of the improvement of the joint radio-electronic warfare system. "The necessary regulatory framework for this has been formed, and its functioning will ensure efficient use of the electronic warfare assets of our countries’ armed forces," the minister said.