BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

14/11/2007

Russia to deliver Iskander missile systems to Belarus

MINSK. Nov 14 (Interfax-AVN) - Belarus will buy Iskander missile systems from Russia, commander of the Belarusian Missile Forces and Artillery Col. Mikhail Puzikov said at a briefing in Minsk on Wednesday.

"It is planned that one brigade of the Missile Forces and Artillery will be equipped with Iskander systems," Puzikov said. This will be a brigade currently armed with Tochka missile systems, he said.

The equipment will be delivered within the framework of the Belarusian state military equipment program up to 2015, Puzikov said. The Belarusian army will be equipped with Iskander missile systems by 2020, the colonel said.

Russia does not deliver Iskander to Belarus "for free," the colonel said. "We have reserved funds to buy Iskander at beneficial terms within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) at Russian domestic prices," Puzikov said.

The Iskander tactical missile system is a highly accurate weapon capable of hitting both point and area targets, and can remain in a concealed position before a brief launch sequence.

Source:

http://www.interfax.com/3/335031/news.aspx