Review of military events in Belarus on January 29 – February 4
Combat training, activities of the Internal Troops and territorial defense.
From January 27 to February 2, a Belarusian military delegation visited Cuba. The visit resulted in the signing of documents on bilateral military cooperation.
A number of combat training events were reported. These included training to repel attacks on military town facilities, as well as battalion tactical drills at the Brestski training ground. Training of the Belarusian Armed Forces and Internal Troops by PMC Wagner mercenaries continues.
In 2024, the army will receive the Mi-35M helicopters, Tor-M2 SAM systems, T-72BM2 tanks, BTR-70MB1 APCs and other military equipment.
International cooperation
From January 27 to February 2, the Belarusian Defense Minister went on an official visit to Cuba. The Belarusian military delegation also included the head of the logistics of the Belarusian Armed Forces, the head of the Department of International Military Cooperation, the deputy commander of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces, the head of the General Staff Faculty of the Military Academy, and others. During the visit, negotiations were held with the Cuban Minister of Defense, which resulted in the signing of documents on bilateral military cooperation.
Combat training
The rocket divizion of the 350th Artillery Group conducts field drills. Servicemen are improving their skills at special, tactical and firearms training sessions. During the field drills, it is planned to perform firing tasks both with separate combat vehicles and as part of a battery and a divizion.
Training with the 202nd Mechanized Battalion of the 6th Mechanized Brigade by PMC Wagner mercenaries continues at the Obuz-Liasnouski training ground. Particular attention is paid to tactical medicine, fire and reconnaissance training and the use of UAVs. Tactical training exercises were conducted, and the firing from the SPG-9 Kopyo grenade launcher was studied. Training with the battalion began on January 10.
On January 30, one of the units of the 11th Mechanized Brigade held demining training using UAVs. It was also reported that training on the movement of combat skiers was conducted.
Belarusian Armed Forces units continue to reinforce the southern border of Belarus. According to the Ministry of Defense of Belarus, the military are guarding important objects, including roads and overpasses. A set of measures aimed at countering possible threats is carried out at the perimeter of the southern part of the country. Personnel of the Special Operations Forces units are used in this area. UAVs are actively used.
Soldiers of UAV detachments of the 6th and 11th Mechanized Brigades began training on new simulators. The simulators, which allow for training with multi-rotor UAV operators (including FPV drones), were transferred to the units last week.
Training on repelling an attack on military town facilities was held in the 6th and 11th Mechanized Brigades and the 147th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment. During the training, they practiced getting up on alert, moving to the object of possible attack, and destroying UAVs. A special anti-drone net was used to combat UAVs, which, when dropped, cause the device to lose control and fall.
On February 2, personnel of the 74th Communications Regiment held tactical and special training in night conditions. The liaison officers performed tasks on deploying and dismantling communications equipment and practiced guarding procedures.
Combat training continues in the 111th Artillery Brigade. Tactical training is being conducted with the personnel. They practise camouflaging weapons, setting up an anti-drone net and repelling an attack when moving in a convoy.
Battalion tactical drills with one of the units of the 38th Air Assault Brigade were held at the Brestski training ground. For five days, the personnel performed tasks on search, blocking and destruction of the conditional enemy in the battalion’s area of responsibility. At the final stage of the drills, day and night exercises with stages of live firing were held. Assault aviation was involved in the drills.
Military commissariats and territorial defense
During the week, trainings were reported on the organization of notification, collection and delivery of mobilization resources, military registration and reservation of persons liable for military service in organizations and village executive committees, as well as on the performance of military transport duties. It was reported on the conduct of trainings on the deployment of the reception and collection point for persons liable for military service and inspections of organizations for the provision of means of transport.
It was reported on trainings with reserve officers assigned to the territorial troops in Stolin and Luninets. During the trainings, the issues of performing assigned tasks, the procedure of combat coordination in the subordinate units of the territorial troops were discussed. It was also reported that the readiness of the territorial troops’ management bodies and military units was inspected.
On January 31, the issues of deadlines and stages of formation, staffing and provision of national home guard units of Vitsiebsk district were considered at a special meeting.
Internal Troops
The training of servicemen of special purpose units of the Internal Troops by PMC Wagner continues. Trainings on movement in pre-combat order were conducted, skills in azimuth orientation and radio communication were improved. They also practiced circular defense when encountering enemy fire and the actions of the group’s personnel during a UAV attack. It was also reported that a sniper training course had begun.
A training session for commanders of groups using special means was held on the basis of the training center of the Internal Troops. The servicemen studied the composition, armament, equipment of special operation support means and improved practical skills in their use.
Military equipment
The delivery of new projectiles for the Grad MLRS is expected in the near future. Most likely, we are talking about Belarusian-made ammunition.
Repair of a batch of T-72 tanks was completed at the 815th technical support center.
Deputy Defense Minister for Armament Andrei Fedzin told in an interview about new equipment deliveries to the Belarusian Armed Forces. According to the official, in 2024, the Belarusian Armed Forces will receive the Mi-35M helicopters, Tor-M2 missile systems, T-72BM2 tanks, BTR-70MB APC and others. It is also planned to receive the modernized Buk-MB2 SAM system, the V-2 APC and the Chekan UAV.
Other
On January 30, a military council was held in the North-Western Operational Command to discuss the state of military discipline, the safety of weapons and ammunition, and other daily issues.
On February 1, a military council was held in the Western Operational Command. The leadership considered issues related to ensuring the security of military service, the realization of tasks to improve the infrastructure of military towns and other daily issues.
A military department was opened at Polatsk State University. Students are recruited in four military specialties: use of artillery reconnaissance units, use of electronic warfare units, use of engineer-sapper (engineering) units, and use of general military vehicle units.