MINSK. Feb 8 (Interfax) - Modernized T-72BM2 tanks will be put into service with the Belarusian Armed Forces this year, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said.
"The T-72BM2 tank upgraded at domestic enterprises is to complete state tests and to be commissioned for service this year," Maj. Gen. Andrei Fedin, first deputy chief of armaments of the Belarusian Armed Forces, said on the Defense Ministry's TV channel on Wednesday.
The upgraded tanks have new thermal weapon sights, more powerful 840-hp engines, and reinforced armor. They are capable of firing all types of 125-mm rounds, including modern tank guided projectiles, with the standard 2A46 gun.
"In the future, the Air Force will be joined by Sukhoi Su-30SM planes and Mil Mi-35M helicopter gunships. The deliveries of Sopka, Protivnik, and Vostok radar stations and systems to the air defense forces will continue. BTR-70 armored personnel carriers will continue to be upgraded to the BTR-70MB1 level. The deliveries of modern reconnaissance, surveillance, aiming, and other systems and weapons will also continue," Fedin said.
Belarusian Security Council State Secretary Alexander Volfovich had announced the delivery of Su-30SM planes and Mi-35M helicopters to Belarus earlier.