20 February 2026, 20:13

From UAVs to Oreshnik: Defense minister reveals how Belarus is bolstering its military strength

MINSK, 20 February (BelTA) – The West has embarked on a course of unprecedented militarization and military buildup, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said at a ceremonial meeting dedicated to the Day of Fatherland Defenders and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus at the Palace of the Republic in Minsk on 20 February, BelTA has learned.

“The West has embarked on a course of unprecedented militarization and military buildup. Spending billions of dollars on the purchase of thousands of units of offensive strike weapons, the leadership of major European countries is whipping up an absurd hysteria about an alleged threat from the East. By deceiving their own people, they are getting people used to the idea of the inevitability of a new major war in Europe. But this war is something they need, not us. Our happiness lies in a peaceful life. Tension also persists on our southern borders. The war party that is in power in the European Union is desperately trying to prevent a settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, using it to continue escalating the situation. At the forefront of provocative activities near the borders of the Union State are the leadership of Poland and the Baltic states. Defiant rhetoric and border provocations have long become the norm of their aggressive policy," said Viktor Khrenin.

He pointed out that while these states are digging trenches, increasing the size of their armed forces, and modernizing military infrastructure, Belarus is building a peaceful life. “However, we have learned the lessons of history well, the lessons of 1941. Therefore, as threats are growing, we are taking symmetrical measures and increasing our own combat capabilities. Modern and effective Armed Forces are the guarantee of the country's security and sovereignty, a guarantee of its stable development, its future. This is why, as before, we will give priority attention to strengthening defense capability,” the minister noted.

Viktor Khrenin emphasized that the Belarusian army continues to develop progressively. “Every year, more than 200 new models of weapons, military, and special equipment are purchased for the needs of the Armed Forces. Structural transformations are being carried out within the existing size of the army, and the combat component, capable of accomplishing assigned tasks in the shortest possible time, is being strengthened. A new branch of special forces - unmanned aviation - has been set up, and its reconnaissance and strike components are being intensively developed. The forms and methods of combat use of military units are being actively improved, taking into account the specifics of modern warfare. A factor of strategic deterrence, multiplying the combat potential of the Armed Forces, is the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system on our territory. We are ready, with all our might, to inflict unacceptable damage on any aggressor who would wage war against us. People in uniform will always be true defenders for the entire Belarusian people,” the defense minister said.

He also added that the solid fusion of advanced military technologies with the professionalism, courage, and patriotism of service members allows the Belarusian army to get better and confidently look to the future. “Yet, its main asset is its people, whose entire life's purpose is selfless service to the nation and the Fatherland, the defense of their home. No one should have any doubt that the modern Armed Forces, under the leadership of our Commander-in-Chief, will continue to be the reliable defender of the creative labor of our citizens, the guarantor of peace on Belarusian land,” Viktor Khrenin said.

The minister congratulated veterans, service members, and their families on the upcoming holiday and wished them good health, well-being, optimism, and new successes and achievements for the benefit of the Republic of Belarus.