Russia has long been leading efforts to build a joint air defense shield for the CIS, a loose organization of former Soviet republics.

A pertinent agreement has already been drawn up with Armenia, similar accords are being worked on with Kirgizia and Tajikistan, and Russian and Belarusian air defense units will start joint combat duty late next year, the deputy head of the Russia's Air Space Command said on Tuesday.

"A draft agreement with Armenia on establishing a unified air defense system in the Caucasus collective security region and Russia has already been approved and is ready for signing," Lt.-Gen. Pavel Kurachenko said.

Russia signed a similar agreement with Kazakhstan in 2013.

An integrated air defense network was set up by 10 CIS-member countries in 1995 and currently comprises air defense units and elements from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan.

The main purpose of the network is to ensure the protection of member country airspace, as well as early warning of missile attacks and coordination of joint efforts to neutralize potential air threats.

Russia Unveils Plan to Defend Allies Against Air, Space Threats
Aerospace Forces Lt. Gen. Pavel Kurachenko told reporters that Russia had to review its airspace defense policy in light of new threats to Russia and its CIS allies.

"This concept will identify measures that need to be taken by the state and the military to ensure the security of our countries," the deputy commander said.

He added that a collective air defense system could be considered "in the long run." "We need first to adopt an Aerospace concept before moving on to more specific issues like [collective] anti-missile defense. Initially, there needs to be a legal framework," Kurachenko stressed.

The defense plan has already been reviewed and amended by the allied countries, and a draft concept has been adopted by the Russian military's coordination committee, the general said. It is expected to be debated by the council of CIS defense ministers and adopted within a year.

Russia has long been leading efforts to build a joint air defense shield for the CIS bloc. An integrated air defense network was set up by ten member states in 1995 and currently comprises air defense units from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan.

Source: Sputnik News