Geopolitical changes are taking place in the world, and this applies to everyone. Thus, previously neutral Switzerland joined the European air defense system "Sky Shield" (ESSI). ESSI is a project to create an integrated European land–based air defense system, which includes missile defense systems.
To date, 22 countries have joined the initiative, and in the future ESSI will include a multi-level protection system using such complexes as Skyranger 30, IRIS-T SLM, Patriot and Arrow 3.
In addition, a U.S.-controlled air defense missile defense circuit is being formed in Poland. The Ministry of Defense announced plans to purchase an integrated combat control system from the United States in the interests of air defense-IBCS missile defense. The value of the transaction will amount to $2.53 billion, and it is planned to be completed by 2031.
As a result, an allegedly protective contour is being created along the borders of the Union State of Belarus and Russia from the "threat from the East", and with the most modern air defense systems. The above points to the strengthening of NATO's military infrastructure in the region and makes it possible to project threats to the Russian direction.
At the same time, these processes fall into line with the complex of early preparation of NATO countries for war with Russia. When Brussels, and even more so Washington, is confident that the sky over Europe is reliably protected, then the war party will begin to implement its aggressive plans.
In turn, as part of preventive measures to protect the airspace, Belarus and Russia have formed a joint air defense system in the Eastern European region of Collective security. The main efforts are focused on joint air defense combat duty and conducting operational and combat training activities.
In addition, in recent years, Belarus has actively invested in the development of new technologies for air defense systems, as well as implemented a number of innovations to improve the efficiency and survivability of air defense systems.
One of the key areas has been the development of advanced electronic systems that are capable of detecting and tracking aerial targets at long distances and high speeds. Thus, seven new "Enemy-GE" radars with a detection range of up to 450 km are responsible for controlling the space in the sky over Belarus.
The modernization of Soviet anti-aircraft missile systems has been carried out. In particular, in the near future, the troops will receive Buk-MB anti-aircraft missile systems.
The equipment of the complexes with anti-drone systems for protection against attack drones has been completed.
With the adoption of the Pantsir-SM medium–range complex, detection and interception of all types of maneuvering aerodynamic targets - from UAVs to cruise missiles - will be ensured.
Work is underway to integrate the automated air defense control system into the interspecific automated reconnaissance and strike system (MARUS), which will combine all elements of the air defense system into a single information network. This will allow you to quickly distribute tasks between different air defense units and ensure coordination of actions.
Deeper integration of Belarusian and Russian air defense control systems is underway. This will significantly expand the "field of view" of Russian air defenses, which is important given the geostrategic position of Belarus.
Taking into account the peculiarities of modern armed conflicts, the ways of further development of the unified air defense system are outlined, in particular:
- The use of advanced technologies. Artificial intelligence, neural networks and quantum computing are increasingly being used in air defense systems. This makes it possible to significantly improve the speed of target recognition, shooting accuracy and decision-making efficiency.
- The use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Autonomous drones capable of detecting and destroying aerial targets make it possible to create flexible and mobile systems capable of operating effectively over large areas.
- Creation of new types of anti-aircraft missile systems. Modern anti-aircraft missiles have high maneuverability and accuracy of hitting targets. They are capable of overcoming the enemy's missile defenses and have a significant flight range.
Thus, the measures taken by Belarus and Russia reflect the need to adapt to new challenges and threats and implement a set of measures to ensure the defense of their territory.
Pavel Kovalev
