13 June 2025, 18:30

Lukashenko briefed on creation of drone troops in Belarus

BERYOZA DISTRICT, 13 June (BelTA) – During his visit to the center for the preparation and use of unmanned aerial complexes in Beryoza District, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko heard a report on the creation of drone troops in Belarus, BelTA has learned.

“Have you established what kind of unmanned aerial vehicles we need, what kind [of drones] will we produce?” this was the first question from the president upon his arrival at the center.

Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces - First Deputy Defense Minister of the Republic of Belarus Pavel Muraveiko reported on the purpose, composition and structure of the unmanned aviation of the Armed Forces.

According to him, the Armed Forces are actively improving the unmanned aviation system. “Drone troops have been created as an independent branch of special forces of the Armed Forces. These troops are tasked with conducting aerial reconnaissance, striking the enemy, guiding and adjusting fire, and performing support operations for other special forces,” said Pavel Muraveiko.

The head of state watched a demonstration of practical skills of drone operators, who flew first-person view (FPV) drones through a specialized track. Drone operators practice it after completing computer simulation training.

Aleksandr Lukashenko wondered how well the drones can operate when faced with radioelectronic warfare. The head of state was informed in detail about the corresponding aspects.

“It is good that we have such guys [well-trained drone operators]. It is unavoidable. We have a lot of work for them,” the head of state said. “I see that young people are keen to fly these drones. Young people like it. And it is good. We can find a lot of guys like these among young people and they will fly.”

At the same time the president stressed that other weapon systems remain in demand: “A man with a rifle is the key. While these [drones] can be used in appropriate terrain.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that there is no need to focus excessively on this type of weapons. It is necessary to rely on existing capabilities and needs. “The key is not to get obsessed with it. You should always have a head on your shoulders and should understand what we can do and what we cannot. It is necessary to determine what we need and how much,” he said.

“We need to create three or four types of good drones. We will do it. But you should tell us what they should be like and what needs to be done,” the president told the specialists.

The head of state was also made familiar with the equipment of the shop where unmanned aerial complexes are made, assembled, and repaired. He was also made familiar with the manufacturing process.