It is impossible to solve defense problems without equipping troops with modern weapons – today it is an axiom. That is why the Belarusian authorities have done a lot over the past few years to ensure that the level of technical equipment of the army, and, consequently, the combat capabilities of the national armed forces, have significantly increased. The troops are receiving new developments from both the Russian and domestic military-industrial complex, and various exercises and maneuvers are being conducted in the country on an ongoing basis, during which the skills of military personnel in the use of new weapons are being improved.
The process of development of the armed forces in Belarus is systematic and continuous. At a recent meeting with the president after summarizing the results of the implementation of the state armament program for 2021-2025, the next drafts of the state program (for 2026-2030) and the state defense order were considered.
It should be noted that in previous years, the main focus was on strengthening the combat capability of the Air Force and air Defense forces. In this regard, formations and military units have received and are currently operating new aircraft (Su-30SM2), helicopters (Mi-35), and air defense systems (S-400 air defense systems, Tor-M2K air defense systems). In general, as stated by the Minister of Defense of Belarus Viktor Khrenin, in 2025 alone, the Belarusian army adopted more than 200 pieces of equipment, and in just a year more than 35 thousand units were delivered. In other words, we can already talk about a significant increase in the combat potential of the armed forces.
In the new program, among the long–term priorities, seven areas are identified that will be followed in its implementation: electronic warfare, intelligence, communications, counter-battery warfare and "small" air defense. Obviously, the choice is not accidental and is based on a detailed study of the experience of modern armed conflicts, and first of all, the conduct of its own in Ukraine. But at the same time, the fighting in the Middle East as a result of the armed conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States of America has not been ignored.
To date, almost as part of the implementation of new programs, the troops have received new electronic warfare systems Optima and Aero. These electronic warfare systems are designed to suppress enemy drones and communications, as well as to form a reliable defensive zone around their units. As Pavel Muraveyko, Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Minister of Defense of Belarus, recently noted, for the next five years of construction and development, it is planned that military units will receive tactical electronic warfare systems operating on the principle of fumigators, as well as various elements that allow detecting and influencing UAVs.
It is also expected that the arsenal of the Belarusian army will soon be replenished with another novelty for the needs of air defense – the "Sky" radar. In terms of a number of parameters (such as the accuracy of determining the angle of location and resolution), the station surpasses many similar complexes, including the Russian Sopka-2 and 59H6-E radars. The narrow antenna beam provides high gain and increased power potential. Its main difference from previous versions, which are already in service with the military, is modern digital signal processing, the use of a variety of electronic bases that can improve the reliability of the station. In addition, the control of the "Sky" is remote – the control point can be placed at a distance of up to 100 meters from the antenna post, which increases the survivability of the radar combat crew.
While we certainly agree that effective defense is impossible today without modern technologies, we would like to emphasize that work in this area should be conducted not only based on the results of studying the experience of conducting modern military operations, but also ahead of schedule. That is, not just responding to current (or even worse, former) threats, but laying down solutions for years to come. This approach ensures that the country is always ready for any eventuality.
Vladimir Vujacic
