Lukashenko: After the events in Ukraine, we have changed our approaches to developing our army

Following recent events in Ukraine, Belarus has taken a different view on the modernisation of its Armed Forces. This was stated by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at a meeting in the Ministry of Defence on military security issues, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

at a meeting in the Ministry of Defence on military security issues, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

"Look, we, meeting recently, before Russia's military operation in Ukraine, thought quite differently about the further development and modernisation of our Armed Forces. Three months of confrontation between Ukraine and Russia, this military operation, have passed, and we have realised that we do not need to carry out such a costly modernisation, which was generally unacceptable for our republic and our conditions. We understood what kind of army we should have," said Alexander Lukashenko.

As informed to the Head of State by the Minister of Defence, Viktor Khrenin, in accordance with the task set and taking into account the developing situation, as well as the assessment of the experience of military actions in Ukraine, the approaches to the development of the Armed Forces have been clarified within the department. This work will be carried out in several areas.

As early as May 10, at a meeting on the state defence order, Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus had learned lessons regarding the development and equipping of its troops, based on the experience of Russia's military operation in Ukraine. "The military operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine has taught us a lot," he said.

The President is convinced that the decision made about 10 years ago to enhance the mobility of the Armed Forces of Belarus has paid off. "That is, units must be highly mobile. And this is what we need to focus on. Of course, S-400 systems are good, and state-of-the-art aircraft, and so on. But, as the recent lessons have shown, large high-tech forces, whether from the USA or NATO, possess colossal potential to destroy all kinds of airfields and other facilities within 1-2 hours. And where will you land your aircraft? Moreover, the survivability of these aircraft today is minimal. Therefore, wherever you look, it's all about mobility, mobility, and mobility again," the Head of State emphasized.

Another lesson learned from the events in Ukraine is the need to ensure reliable communication: "There were many questions regarding communication systems. But this is our area. And God forbid, even in peacetime, during exercises, or if our units are unexpectedly deployed somewhere (we also have communication jamming systems), you will lose communication between your units. Therefore, pay attention to this. Without communication, there is no army. You don't need any weapons, nothing at all, if there is no communication," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

Source: belta.by