On the importance of the military-industrial complex and sanctions threats - Lukashenko was briefed on the work of the military-industrial complex

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received a report on the results of work and prospects for the development of the military-industrial complex from Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Nazarov and Chairman of the State Military Industrial Committee Dmitry Pantus, a BELTA correspondent reports.

"There are a number of fundamental issues that we need to discuss today (perhaps even in camera for now, although, in general, there is nothing to hide). First of all, I want to talk about the importance of the military-industrial complex for Belarus. Due to the circumstances that have developed (and they have always been difficult for us, as you know very well), the issue of equipping our Armed Forces (not just the army) with modern weapons is very acute. Specifically, with those types of weapons that are needed for the security forces," Alexander Lukashenko noted.

The Head of State noted that the military-industrial complex makes a decent contribution to the economy of Belarus. The defense sector, the President emphasized, is the most high-tech production, comparable only to space and nuclear technologies. "It is impossible to create modern weapons without advanced technologies," he added.

Speaking about sanctions threats from the West, Alexander Lukashenko noted that restrictive measures will not affect the work of the military-industrial complex. "Our military-industrial complex does not have such extensive ties with those who threaten us with sanctions. We do not have firmly established and interdependent contacts with America, the European Union. It is clear that with those with whom we cooperate in the field of weapons creation, we have good relations," the Head of State explained. "Nevertheless, I would like you to outline the situation."

The President also inquired about the financial and economic indicators of defense production. "What do we expect, based on the fact that we have already lived through half a year? What will happen at the end of the year? What weapons will we produce? What is the cost, the expenses for these weapons, what will be the export of weapons?" Alexander Lukashenko outlined a number of issues.

He also asked about the progress in developing other promising types of weapons, in particular, missiles for the Polonez multiple launch rocket system. Another topic of the report was the participation of Belarusian defence industry enterprises in the jubilee, 10th International Exhibition of Arms and Military Equipment MILEX-2021, which will be held at the end of June in Minsk.

According to Dmitry Pantus, the work of the military-industrial complex and the defence sector of the economy is proceeding in a special environment. "The collective West is constantly escalating the situation around Belarus. But it should be noted that, despite the fact that officially four enterprises of the State Military Industrial Committee are included in the sanctions package, historically all enterprises of the defence sector of the economy have always been under pressure," he said.

"This is natural. No one will agree that some Belarus will be arming itself, and even producing its own weapons," the President emphasized.

"Often, this is even open envy of the achievements of the military-industrial complex of the Republic of Belarus," stated the Chairman of the State Military Industrial Committee.

As Dmitry Pantus told journalists following the report to the Head of State, the President was informed about the work of the military-industrial complex and defence sector enterprises "under pressure on Belarus from the collective West." "The work of all enterprises of the State Military Industrial Committee is stable, and we do not have any critical issues," emphasized the head of the State Military Industrial Committee. "We have additionally carried out import substitution work, and a program for import substitution for the next 3 years has been developed and is in effect." In accordance with the program, it is planned to substitute products worth up to $77 million in 2022.

Source: belta.by