Defence Ministers of Belarus and Russia Discussed Military and Political Situation

Viktor Khrenin and Andrei Belousov, Defence Ministers of Belarus and Russia, discussed the military and political situation on the margins of the Army-2024 forum. The meeting took place immediately after the opening ceremony of the forum. 

The "Army" forum started today, on August 12, and will last until August 18. It will feature unique samples of military and special equipment. The event is held on the territory of the "Patriot" exhibition center. 

Today's forum is the first time that the new modification of the "Pantsir-SMD-E" air defense missile and gun system was presented, aimed primarily at combatting UAVs. It can carry an increased ammunition of up to 48 missiles to combat drones and can be operated by one person from a remote workstation. 

"For the first time you can see the developments of the 'people's military and industrial complex' at the exhibition" said the Russian Defence Minister. "These are products made by citizens, workers' associations, small and medium-enterprises for the needs of our fighters in the special military operation zone." 

According to him, "the forum will contribute to the implementation of pioneering ideas in the field of defense, development of the Russian military and industrial complex and expansion of military and technical cooperation." 

Viktor Khrenin also visited the stands of the Belarusian 558th aircraft repair plant, working with Russia on the development of the Osvey twin-engine light multipurpose airplane. 

The forum is attended by official delegations of 83 countries, with 39 delegations headed by heads of defence agencies and chiefs of General Staffs. Belarus, India, Iran and China have formed national expositions and stands of enterprises of friendly states.