Russian strategic bombers to join military manoeuvres with Belarus

Moscow, Sep 22 (UNI) Air Force commander Col Gen Alexander Zelin today said Russian strategic bombers will conduct manoeuvres of various types of missiles on October 6-12 during large-scale Russian-Belarus military exercises which started today.

''The exercise will involve the majority of personnel and strategic aircraft in service with strategic aviation,'' Gen Zelin said.

''The crews will deploy the entire range of onboard weaponry'', RIA Novosti news agency quoted him as saying.

The Stability-2008 exercises will last until October 21 in various regions of Russia and Belarus with the goal of practicing strategic deployment of the Armed Forces, including the nuclear triad, to counter potential threats near the Russian border.

Russia has strongly opposed US deployment of missile shield in Europe near its borders.

Moscow has repeatedly stressed the need to continue the development of Russia's Strategic Nuclear Forces, including its airborne component, saying they should be able to respond promptly and effectively to any aggression.

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