"Four missile systems will be sent to equip four air defense divisions by next fall," said Igor Azarenok, a commander of Belarus' Air Force and air defense troops. He said the missiles would help improve the country's defense fourfold, and its air defense by 20 percent, and also enhance the joint air defense system of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

"The air defense partnership of CIS countries pioneers real integration and helps establish close military ties between former Soviet republics," Azarenok said. The two countries concluded a contract on S-300 supplies on Sept. 10.

Belarus was part of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union for hundreds of years until the collapse of communism and it is on the direct path of invasion and air attack against the Russian capital Moscow from the west.

Although Belarus President Alexander Lukashenka runs one of the most repressive regimes in any former Soviet republic, he continues to enjoy exceptionally close political and military ties with Russia, reflecting the strategic importance of his small republic to the Kremlin.

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