Review of military events in Belarus on October 21-27
Combat training, activities of the Internal Troops and territorial defense.
During the week, at least 15 Russian drones of the Shahed-136/131 type flew into Belarus. Afterwards, most of them flew to Ukraine. There were no reports of drones being shot down by the Air Defense Forces.
On October 22, citizens of Belarus, drafted for compulsory military service, started to be sent to the troops. It is planned to send about 10,000 people to the troops in October-November.
On October 23, a meeting of the joint board of the defense ministries of Belarus and Russia was held in Minsk. The board discussed the holding of the joint strategic drills of the Belarusian Armed Forces and the Russian Armed Forces West-2025. The maneuvers will be held in September 2025 in Belarus.
The Ministry of Defense of Belarus purchases a batch of Chimera CX10 drones. They plan to spend about $139,419 for the purchase. It was also reported about the transfer of a batch of “newest drones” to the 814th Technical Support Center.
Escalation on the border with Ukraine
On October 26, it was reported that servicemen of the 4th Militia Brigade (military unit 7404) and Shtorm special forces detachment held a meeting with students of educational institutions in Stolin (Brest region).
On September 27, in an interview with state media, Vadzim Dzenisenka, the commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Belarusian Armed Forces, told about the situation on the Belarus-Ukraine border. According to the official, “[Lukashenka] made a decision to adequately respond to what is happening: depending on the situation on the [Ukrainian] side, the forces covering the southern parts of our border are being increased or decreased.”
The main task of units of the Special Operations Forces on the Belarus-Ukraine border is to provide assistance to the border guard authorities. In addition, along the southern border of Belarus, there are ammunition depots (in Rechytsa, Homiel and Dobrush districts of Homiel region) and airfields (Ziabrauka, Mazyr (Bokau), Luninets). Servicemen of the Belarusian Armed Forces ensure their protection. According to Dzenisenka, “today the situation is calm.”
International cooperation
On October 23, a meeting of the joint board of the defense ministries of Belarus and Russia was held in Minsk. The event was held on the territory of Belarus in a in-person format for the first time since 2018. During the meeting, the participants exchanged views and made decisions on the issues of the countries’ joint defense policy, expansion of military cooperation between the armed forces to ensure military security of the Union State.
Speaking at the joint board, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktar Khrenin told about the preparations for the joint strategic drills West-2025 between the Belarusian Armed Forces and the Russian Armed Forces. According to the official, the drills will be “the main event of joint training of military administration bodies and troops in 2025 and will create conditions for further improvement of the current system of military security.” The board discussed the main approaches to the preparation and conduct of the drills. Their concept was also approved.
As a result of the meeting of the joint board, the Plan of bilateral cooperation was approved. The plan envisages more than 160 joint activities. As Viktar Khrenin noted, in 2024, within the framework of Belarusian-Russian military cooperation, the development and improvement of the regional group of troops continued, as well as the exchange of experience [of the war in Ukraine]. In addition, cooperation between the countries also developed in the military-technical sphere: the parties continued to support each other in supplying the necessary weapons and military equipment. Cooperation is also developing in the area of military training. For example, Russian educational institutions are training more than 360 specialists for the Belarusian Armed Forces.
During the board meeting, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said that Russia’s state policy adapted to the new realities allows for the possibility of using nuclear weapons in response to aggression against Belarus. The official also said that the Treaty between Belarus and Russia on Military Security Guarantees and a new Security Concept were being finalized.
Speaking about the West-2025 drills, Belousov said that they are based on the current threats to Russia and Belarus, as well as the current situation (including during the war in Ukraine). The official also announced the intention to share “advanced developments in air defense, the use of high-precision weapons, electronic warfare, and robotic systems” with the Belarusian military.
On October 24, a round table was held in Minsk on the topic: “Actual Problems of Ensuring Security of the Union State”. According to a representative of the State Secretariat of the Security Council of Belarus, the Concept of Security of the “Union State” being developed “managed to synchronize approaches to assessing the current situation, threats and their sources, and measures to protect our strategic interests both at the national and interstate levels.” The document also formulated the priority areas for ensuring the security of the Union State.
Combat training
On October 22, Pavel Muraveika, the Chief of the General Staff of the Belarusian Armed Forces, visited the firearms training at the 227th Barysauski training ground. During the training, the servicemen of the 355th Separate Tank Battalion of the 120th Mechanized Brigade performed a test firing exercise with a standard artillery shot from the armament of the T-72B tank.
On October 22, a command-staff training with the Northwestern Operational Command began under the leadership of Pavel Muraveika, the Chief of General Staff of the Belarusian Armed Forces. During the training, the main focus was on the multivariant decision-making on the current situation and their justification by confirmed operational-tactical crews. On October 25, it was reported that the training was completed.
On October 22, it was reported that one of the separate mechanized battalions of the 6th Mechanized Brigade, together with the territorial bodies of the Border Guard Service, “started training in the area of performing tasks.”
On October 23, artillery fire control training was held under the leadership of the Chief of the Missile and Artillery Troops of the Western Operational Command. The commander of the 111th Artillery Brigade and the chiefs of artillery of the mechanized brigades took part in the training. The purpose of the training was to improve practical skills in performing firing tasks. The tasks were carried out using quadrocopter-type UAVs. In addition, Klen radio stations were tested at the training, allowing for the exchange of information via messengers.
On October 24, a training session with commanders of battalions (detachments, divizions) was held at the Lepelski training ground under the leadership of the head of the Main Directorate for Combat Training of the Belarusian Armed Forces. The theme of the training session was the deployment of command and observation posts and other infrastructure of the battalion in the area of deployment. Particular attention was paid to equipping control centers and deployment sites for personnel and equipment. The equipment of elements of the security system for the area of concentration was also practiced.
On October 24, a readiness review of the material support battalion was held at the 11th Mechanized Brigade before the upcoming combat training exercises. A training session with reserve officers drafted in 2024 will also be held in the brigade.
Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces Andrei Lukyanovich said in a state media story that the West-2025 joint strategic drills will be held in September 2025 on the territory of Belarus. In addition, operational-tactical drills with live firing (both at training grounds in Russia and Belarus) are planned for 2025. Joint Air Force drills are also scheduled (the composition of the participants in the drills has not yet been determined).
Military commissariats and territorial defense
Military commissariats
During the week, a comprehensive readiness inspection of Skidel City Executive Committee (Hrodna region), enterprises and organizations of the city for notification and supply of mobilization resources was held. It was also reported that the following organizations of Mahiliou region were trained: Mahiliou Department of the Belarusian Railway, Servolyuks Agro, Mogilevliftmash and Mogilevoblgaz.
Military training sessions
A training session with conscripts continues in the 108th Separate Material Support Regiment. About 15 reservists were drafted.
On October 23, a conscript who passed the training session was given lieutenant’s epaulettes at the military commissariat of Pastavy district.
On October 25, a training session for conscripts drafted to service military equipment was completed in the pontoon-bridge battalion of the 557th Engineering Brigade. 15 reservists were drafted.
On October 25, a training session was completed at the 51st Artillery Brigade. At least 10 reservists were drafted.
On October 25, a training session for conscripts drafted to service military equipment was completed in the 110th Separate Material Support Regiment. 21 reservists were drafted.
Conscription for compulsory military service
On October 22, Belarusians drafted for compulsory military service in the units of the Belarusian Armed Forces, Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Border Service and State Security, started to be sent to the troops. A total of about 10,000 people are planned to be sent to the troops in October-November. A total of about 58,000 conscripts were to be summoned to draft boards in fall 2024. The ceremony of taking the military oath for the newly arrived recruits to the Belarusian Armed Forces will be held on November 23.
On October 24, a representative of the 6th Mechanized Brigade held a talk with conscripts of Stolin district on the procedure of military service under contract.
On October 25, head of the Main Directorate for Ideological Work of the Ministry of Defense of Belarus Leanid Kasinski said that military commissariats can “hold a small competition, select the most prepared, motivated guys” when conscripting for compulsory service in the Belarusian Armed Forces.
A representative of the General Staff told in an interview about the peculiarities of the fall conscription in 2024. According to the official, in 2024, for the first time conscription is held within 3 months (September-November). The Belarusian military does not plan to: 1) increase the age of conscription (now it is from 18 to 27 years old); 2) change the duration of conscription (now it is from 6 to 18 months); 3) conscription of women.
Alternative service is unpopular among conscripts. During the spring conscription of 2024, 20 people were drafted for alternative service, during the fall conscription – only 12 people. At the same time, the number of those wishing to serve under contract instead of compulsory military service is growing. Currently, 36% of soldiers and sergeants in the Belarusian Armed Forces are “contract servicemen.”
During the fall 2024 conscription, the military commissariats of Minsk region plan to draft “a little less than” 1700 people for compulsory service.
The military commissariats of Vitsiebsk region plan to draft over 1200 people for compulsory service, military commissariats of Brest region plan to draft about 2000 people for compulsory service, of Homiel region – about 2000 people, of Mahiliou region – over 1000 people, of Hrodna and Hrodna district – about 500 people.
During the fall conscription of 2024, the military commissariats of Hrodna region plan to draft about 1200 people for compulsory and reserve service. Other sources mentioned the figure of 1300 people (20 of them are drafted to serve in the reserve).
The military commissariats of Minsk plan to draft about 1900 people for compulsory service. About 30 people are drafted to serve in the reserve).
During the fall conscription of 2024, the military commissariat of Biaroza district plans to draft over 70 people for compulsory service, of Mahiliou and Mahiliou district – over 300 people, Baranavichy and Baranavichy district – over 200 people, Cherven district – 60 people, Krychau district – about 50 people, Hlusk district – 15 people, Lida district – 150 people (compulsory and reserve service), Kamianiets district – 40 people, Svislach district – 20 people, Voranava district – about 35 people (about 17 of them will serve under contract instead of compulsory service), Iuye district – about 50 people.
Dismissal to the reserve of active servicemen
A ritual of seeing off servicemen who have completed their compulsory military service to the reserve took place in the 120th Mechanized Brigade. In total, more than 800 servicemen will be dismissed to the reserve.
A ritual of seeing off servicemen who have completed their compulsory military service to the reserve took place in the 103rd Airborne Brigade. In total, more about 300 servicemen will be dismissed to the reserve.
Conscription of reserve officers
A training session for reserve officers drafted to serve in units of the Transport Support Department of the Ministry of Defense of Belarus is being held on the basis of the 65th Vehicle Brigade. About 30 reserve officers took part in the training session.
Territorial defense
On October 22-23, a training on managing the formation of territorial defense troops was held under the leadership of the head of the territorial defense department of the General Staff of the Belarusian Armed Forces. The purpose of the training was to improve the practical skills of officials of territorial defense management bodies in managing the formation of territorial troops. Officials of the Minsk City Executive Committee, district administrations and military commissariats of Minsk took part in the training.
On October 22-25, mobilization readiness exercises were held in Vitsiebsk region. Within the framework of the training, exercises were held with reserve officers and heads of territorial defense facilities on how to prepare them for protection and defense. In addition, the deployment of personnel reception points of the territorial troops was practiced. The training was conducted in all districts of the region.
National home guard
On October 22, a training with commanders of national home guard detachments of Brest and Brest district and their deputies took place at the Brestski training ground. During the training, the participants were explained the rights and duties of national home guard volunteers, the procedure for obtaining weapons and ammunition, as well as training on the procedure for carrying out tasks, tactical medicine and firearms training.
Internal Troops
On October 23, it was reported that servicemen of the Special Rapid Reaction Detachment, as well as the Rys’ and Berkut special forces detachments, took a two-day course in tactical medicine developed by specialists from the Russian TAKMED special training center. The servicemen improved their skills in methods of evacuating the wounded from the danger zone, stopping bleeding, etc.
On October 26, on the basis of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Center in military unit 5529, another training with a group of UAV operators of the Chest’ special forces detachment took place. The exercises were held under the guidance of instructors of the Rys’ special forces detachment and former mercenaries of PMC Wagner. It was also reported that the training was held at the training center of the GuardService private security company.
Flights of Russian UAVs into Belarus
At least 2 Russian Shahed-136/131 UAVs flew into the airspace of Belarus on the night of October 21. There is no information about their further fate. A fighter of the Belarusian Air Force was used to intercept the UAVs.
On the night of October 21-22, a Russian Shahed-136/131 UAV flew into the airspace of Belarus. There is no information about its fate. The Belarusian Air Force was not used to intercept the UAV.
On October 26, up to 10 Russian Shahed-136/131 UAVs flew into the airspace of Belarus. There is no information about their further fate. The Belarusian Air Force was not used to intercept the UAVs.
On October 27, at least 2 Russian Shahed-136/131 UAVs flew into the airspace of Belarus. There is no information about their further fate. The Belarusian Air Force was not used to intercept the UAVs.
Work of the military-industrial complex
On October 23, it was reported about the supply of the Belarusian anti-UAV station “Station T” to Indonesia. It was noted that the system uses advanced technologies and the latest scientific solutions, including elements of artificial intelligence. Station T detects UAVs by the signals of their on-board data transmission means, as well as with the help of radar and optoelectronic detection systems. The system can completely suppress UAV control and data transmission channels, signals of onboard equipment of satellite radio navigation systems GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, as well as provides intelligent distortion (spoofing) of the navigation field of these systems. Station T was first demonstrated at the MILEX-2023 exhibition.
Rearmament. Development of infrastructure
On October 24, it was reported that the 814th Technical Support Center had received “the latest UAVs”. It was noted that the new weaponry significantly expands the unit’s capabilities and increases its combat effectiveness.
On October 24, the Ministry of Defense of Belarus published a tender for the purchase of 16 sets of Chimera CX10 UAVs. They plan to spend 459,999.94 BYN ($139,419). Accordingly, they will spend $8,714 for the purchase of one set.
On October 27, Vadzim Dzenisenka, the commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Belarusian Armed Forces, told state media that in 2024 they “built a modern obstacle strip” for training UAV operators. Troops are being equipped with modern weapons and equipment. For example, new means of individual armor protection (bulletproof vests, helmets) are being introduced in the units. Each serviceman was provided with a first-aid kit made in Belarus. In addition, it was decided to test and deliver motorcycles (made in Belarus) and buggies to the troops. New EW means are being introduced to protect every vehicle and every serviceman. Deliveries of new armored vehicles continue. The use of gyroplanes and hang-gliders is developing: pilots are being actively trained for their operation. 90% of the developments introduced in the troops are of Belarusian manufacture.
Training of military personnel
On October 25, graduation of officer pilots took place at the Aviation Faculty of the Military Academy. Diplomas of graduation from the Military Academy and the first officer’s epaulettes were awarded to 17 lieutenants.
On October 25, graduation of contract servicemen and graduates of junior officer training courses took place at the Faculty of Advanced Training and Retraining of Personnel of the Military Academy. A total of 80 people (40 junior lieutenants and 40 lieutenants) were awarded officer’s epaulettes. Of these, 15 were women.
On October 25, the 56th graduation of warrant officers took place at the 114th Warrant Officer and Food Service Specialist Training School. The title “warrant officer” was awarded to 142 servicemen, 8 of them were women.
On October 26, the head of the Military Academy of Belarus said that there were about 180 women studying at the academy.
Nuclear weapons
In an interview with Steven Rosenberg, Aliaksandr Lukashenka spoke about the use of nuclear weapons. According to the politician, “Putin will never use the weapons that are currently deployed on the territory of Belarus without [Lukashenka’s] consent. … But if it is necessary for Belarus, it [nuclear weapons] will be used.”