Lukashenko: The dynamics of the threat level to Belarus compel us to keep a finger on the pulse of military-industrial production

The dynamic nature of threats to Belarus necessitates keeping a close watch on domestic military-industrial production. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting on financing procurement of military products, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

"The subject of today's meeting concerns the financing of procurement of military products for the needs of law enforcement agencies. The dynamic nature of threats to Belarus necessitates keeping a close watch on domestic military-industrial production. I want to note that despite unprecedented sanctions pressure, we are producing sufficient armaments and military equipment for the needs of the Belarusian army," the Head of State emphasized. "This is due to the fact that everything we need (I mean 'iron' weapons) we easily obtain from Russia. As for microelectronics, optics, and other components, praise be to those who preserved the production facilities inherited from the Soviet Union, and thus, together with Russia, we can produce any type of armament."

Belarus can also afford to export these products to 57 countries worldwide, which it is doing, the President pointed out. "We are successfully developing modern armaments not only in areas where we have a scientific and technical foundation and expertise, but we are also mastering new, in-demand areas – rocket projectiles, large-caliber artillery ammunition," said Alexander Lukashenko.

He recalled that in October 2022, a range of unmanned aerial vehicles developed in Belarus was presented at the Obuz-Lesnovsky training ground. "Units of the Armed Forces successfully demonstrated their combat capabilities during that event," the Head of State stressed. However, he noted, further work is needed to elevate the production of modern strike unmanned aerial vehicles in Belarus to a higher level.

"While mastering the production of unmanned aviation, we are paying great attention to countering this type of weapon," the President continued. "Electronic warfare systems against drones developed by Belarusian specialists are in high demand."

Alexander Lukashenko noted that a robotic complex has been created, which combines both detection and engagement means for aerial targets. The development of a medium-range anti-aircraft missile system and an anti-aircraft guided missile for this system is in its final stage. "I hope that this year the Prime Minister and the head of the military-industrial complex will please us in this regard," he said.

Last year, domestic manufacturers supplied the Armed Forces of Belarus with over 500 units of new models of weapons and military equipment, the President stated. Continuing the enumeration, he noted that six models have been adopted, including the modernized Uragan-M multiple launch rocket system, as well as two types of strike unmanned aerial vehicle systems.

To equip the Belarusian part of the Regional Group of Forces, the Russian side supplied Belarus with the Iskander operational-tactical missile system with the necessary supply of missiles and ammunition. The S-400 long-range anti-aircraft missile system has also been transferred. "What you, the military, wanted, you received. This is a formidable weapon," said the Belarusian leader.

Within the framework of the state program, a battery of the Tor anti-aircraft missile system, anti-tank guided missiles, mortars, infantry rocket flamethrowers, and over 830,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres have been purchased and delivered, the President added.

"Su-30SM aircraft, Mi-35M helicopters, armored personnel carriers, as well as other weapons, missiles and ammunition will be supplied," the head of state declared. "In terms of modern weapons development, we are not standing still; our army is being equipped with the necessary models to adequately respond to emerging challenges and threats. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement. I am not even talking about small arms, grenade launchers, and so on – we have plenty of those. I am talking about more formidable weapons. We must strive for this. We will work on this."

Source: belta.by