Russia-Belarus pact part of CIS structure

MOSCOW, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- A new Russian-Belarusian air defense network will be part of the Commonwealth of Independent States' military structure, officials say.

Russian Air Force Commander Lt. Col. Alexander Zelin said Tuesday the Moscow-Minsk agreement, signed Feb. 3, will mesh with the CIS integrated air defense network, which was set up by 10 CIS member countries in 1995, RIA Novosti reported.

"The CIS integrated air defense network is intended to accomplish a variety of tasks, including missile early warning and countering attacks of a potential enemy," Zelin told the news agency. "We (Russia) will certainly participate in the defense of any of the member-states, if their airspace is violated."

Russia says the main purpose of the CIS network is to ensure the protection of the member-countries' airspace; provide early warning of missile attacks; and coordinate joint efforts to neutralize potential air threats.

The Russian-Belarusian network comprises five Air Force units, 10 anti-aircraft units, five technical service and support units and one electronic warfare unit, RIA Novosti said.