BARANOVICHI (Belarus), November 1 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will provide Belarus with the first S-300 missile systems next March, a senior Belarussian officer said Tuesday.

"Four missile systems will be sent to equip four air defense divisions by next fall," said Igor Azarenok, a commander of Belarus' Air Force and air defense troops.

He said the missiles would help improve the country's defense four-times over, and its air defense by 20%, and also enhance the joint air defense system of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

"The air defense partnership of CIS countries pioneers real integration and helps establish close military ties between former Soviet republics," he said.

The two countries concluded a contract on S-300 supplies September 10.