Opinions & Interviews

BORISOV DISTRICT, 20 September (BelTA) – The Belarusian defense industry will continue the profound modernization of existing weapon systems, but new products are already in development. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement after observing progress of the Belarusian-Russian strategic army exercise Zapad 2017 on 20 September, BelTA has learned.

The head of state mentioned the profound modernization of the available weapons and materiel as one of the main directions for developing and equipping the Belarusian army. Alexander Lukashenko was confident that it is not necessary to buy new expensive defense products for millions of U.S. dollars if the available systems can be upgraded to achieve comparable performance. “We know how to accomplish it, including aerial vehicles, armored vehicles, and firearms,” stressed the president.

At the same time new weapon systems are being developed. The multiple-launch rocket system Polonez or Belarus-made armored vehicles are some of them. The head of state drew attention to the fact that Belarusian defense companies are working primarily on weapons and materiel, which may come in handy in conditions of modern military conflicts. “We will not see a war of one frontline vs another frontline. There will be local battles. We need very mobile troops for defense. The latest wars encourage us towards having mobile units,” he stated.

“The cutting-edge high-precision weapons of the Polonez variety. We are working very seriously on that. I don’t want to reveal details but we are definitely working. We have accomplished a lot as far as unmanned aerial vehicles are concerned. These days it is impossible to wage a war without drones. Certainly, we also create attack drones. They are indispensable. They will go into service soon,” said the Belarusian leader.

Belarus has managed to preserve its defense industry companies and R&D potential. They are in demand. “We have learned how to make things in every area and are going to expand the spectrum. Not only because we need good weapons for our army. There is a great demand for profound modernization and new defense products in the world. What we know how to make we make not only for ourselves. We sell these products on international markets, too,” noted the head of state.

The president made it clear that Belarus makes nothing forbidden and does not supply it to other countries either.