The air space of South Ossetia will be guarded by forces and means of air defense troops of the 4-th Russian military base stationed in the Republic. This is stipulated by the Protocol to improve the air defense, signed in Moscow on January 28 by the Defense Minister of South Ossetia Valery Yahnovts and Russian Deputy Defense Minister Arkady Bahin, stated today at a press conference in Tskhinval Acting Defense Minister of the RSO Valery Yakhnovets.
According to him, the document signed in Moscow aims to develop synergy between the two countries on defense and complements the interstate agreement on the joint Russian military base in South Ossetia.
"Any aircraft, in violation of the airspace of South Ossetia will be shoot down legally," - said the Acting Defence Minister. - The 4th military base has modern facilities that can reliably cover the airspace of our Republic. This is especially important on the eve of the Sochi Olympics."
The Ministry of Defense of South Ossetia, according to Yakhnavets, to date, has not the means for full control of the airspace of the Republic.
"For this reason, the fourth military base will be in charge of this issue," - he added. Yakhnavets has also noted that between the Ministry of Defense of South Ossetia and the 4th military base there is a close collaboration at all levels.
"We have been working together constantly. We are well aware that in case of aggression only joint efforts can defend the Republic, "- he said.
