MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti military commentator...

The CIS leaders established the joint air defense system to preserve the remaining elements of the once powerful Soviet air defense. It comprised the air defense systems of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.

In 2008, Georgia terminated its membership in the CIS and consequently withdrew from the joint air defense system.

Since Russia"s Air Force and Air Defense Force form the core of the CIS Air Defense System, changes in them affect the joint system. It is therefore not surprising that the February meeting focused on the future of these branches of the Russian military.

Alexander Zelin, commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force and Air Defense Force, said the reform program would continue. The structure and composition of the Air Force will be simplified to cut down on the various aviation categories, leaving the strategic, transport and army aviation intact. Frontline bomber, assault,

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