Combat training, activities of the Internal Troops and territorial defense.
During the week, 1 Shahed-136/131 drone flew into Belarus. On September 17, Lukashenka recognized the facts of Russian drones’ flights into Belarus for the first time.
Units of the Belarusian Armed Forces continue to be stationed in Homiel region. The military pays special attention to countering drones. It was reported that armored vehicles are equipped with various types of anti-drone protection.
In early September, a delegation of the Russian Armed Forces paid a working visit to Minsk. One of the purposes of the visit was to prepare for the “West-2024” joint strategic drills to be held in Belarus.
Servicemen of the 4th Separate Tank Battalion went for training at the “joint training center” of the Belarusian Armed Forces and Russian Armed Forces located in Russia. The Ministry of Defense of Belarus stated that the Belarusian military conducted launches from the Polonez-M MLRS at one of the Russian training grounds.
Construction of a military town continues in Homiel district. The facility may be intended for: 1) units of the Southern Operational Command; 2) a new unit (brigade) of the Special Operations Forces.
Escalation on the border with Ukraine
On September 19, the Ministry of Defense of Belarus said that servicemen of the Belarusian Armed Forces continued to perform tasks “to strengthen the sections of the state border.” It was reported that tank, motorized rifle and artillery units, as well as air defense and Special Operations Forces units are on round-the-clock duty, patrolling territories, serving at checkpoints, and conducting reconnaissance with the help of drones. Units of the Belarusian Armed Forces work in close cooperation with local authorities, border guards and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Special attention is paid to countering UAVs. Armored vehicles are equipped with various types of anti-drone protection.
International cooperation
On September 17, military delegations arrived in Belarus to participate in the meeting of the Coordination Committee for Air Defense under the Council of Defense Ministers of the CIS member states. On September 18, the work of the Coordination Committee began. During the meeting, they considered the issues of improving the unified air defense system of the CIS member states, as well as strengthening bilateral and multilateral military cooperation in the field of air defense. They also discussed the issues of carrying out joint air defense combat duty within the framework of the Unified Regional Air Defense System of Russia and Belarus.
On September 18, Valery Revenka, the head of the Department of International Military Cooperation, made a statement. According to the official, in spring 2024, a series of “Steadfast Defender” drills took place in Europe, with observations of the largest of them: “Dragoon” (Poland), “Spring Storm” (Estonia) and “Northern Response” (Norway). No representatives of Belarus were invited to any of these drills. In the case of Poland and Estonia, where the number of participants in drills exceeded 13 thousand people, it was a gross violation of the Vienna Document of 2011. Based on these facts, the official asks: “Should Belarus continue the practice of inviting foreign observers when large-scale operational and combat training events will be held on our territory?”
On September 21, it was reported that a delegation of the Russian Armed Forces was on a working visit to Belarus. As part of the visit, Deputy Minister of Defense for Logistics – Head of Logistics of the Belarusian Armed Forces Andrei Burdyka had a working meeting with the Russian delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia Pavel Fradkou. According to open sources, Fradkou supervises the management of property, land resources and construction of facilities for the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation and interaction between military departments in specialized areas.
Combat training
On September 16, the 78th Separate Mechanized Battalion held a review of readiness for combat training exercises.
On September 16, the 61st Fighter Air Base held a fire and tactical drills with the military fire protection and rescue team.
Since September 17, joint computer command-staff drills have been taking place in Belarus. During the drills, the results of the combat operation of the air defense system of the unified regional air defense system of Belarus and Russia are being simulated.
The 927th Center for the Training and Use of UAVs is training multirotor UAV operators for the benefit of units of the Western Operational Command. After theoretical and practical training, the acquired UAV control skills will be implemented during combat training exercises.
Tactical and specialty drills were held in one of the units of the 108th Material Support Regiment. During the drills, the issues of repelling an attack on a convoy of equipment while marching, detaining a sabotage and reconnaissance group of a conditional enemy and providing first aid to the wounded were practiced.
The 8th Radio-Engineering Brigade held professional training with commanders of military units and divisions. In field conditions, issues related to the organization of communications during the protection and defense of positions, engineering equipment for positions for military equipment and servicemen, procedures for the use and development of devices for protection against UAVs, etc., were considered.
On September 20, servicemen of the 4th Separate Tank Battalion of the 19th Mechanized Brigade of the Belarusian Armed Forces went to the 333rd Combat Training Center (Mulino training ground, Nizhny Novgorod region, Russia) to train at the “joint training center” of the Belarusian Armed Forces and Russian Armed Forces. Belarusian military will be trained for a month. According to the battalion’s commander, they will adopt the experience of combat operations from their Russian colleagues.
On September 20, the Ministry of Defense of Belarus reported that the Belarusian military conducted a launch from the V-300 Polonez-M MLRS, hitting a target at a distance of 300 kilometers. The launches were conducted at a training ground in Russia. During the drills, they also conducted launches from the Tochka-U missile systems and Smerch MLRS. It was reported that for the first time, launches from the Smerch MLRS were carried out at a maximum range of 90 kilometers using a 9M525 projectile.
During combat training exercises, combined crews of the 115th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment conducted firing exercises with the 23-mm ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft launchers against both ground and air targets.
«West-2024»
A delegation of servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces paid a working visit to Minsk in early September. One of the purposes of the visit was to prepare for the “West-2024” joint strategic drills of Belarus and Russia. In particular, reconnaissance (visual observation) of the troop deployment area for the period of the drills was conducted. In February 2024, Defense Minister Viktar Khrenin said that drills with the “regional group of troops” of Belarus and Russia would be held in Belarus in 2025. And in early September, a similar statement was made by State Secretary of the Security Council Aliaksandr Valfovich.
It was unofficially reported that the drills would be one of the largest in the history of the so-called regional group of troops. The drills will involve the latest military equipment and weapons, including air defense systems, the latest generation of tanks and EW equipment. Special attention will be paid to practicing interaction between the Russian Armed Forces and the Belarusian Armed Forces in hypothetical conflicts involving high-tech threats such as UAVs and cyberattacks. Also, as part of the drills, “the tasks of integrating new military units [of the Russian Armed Forces] that will arrive in Belarus by the end of 2024 will be practiced.”
Airborne and artillery units, among others, are expected to arrive in Belarus to participate in the drills. The drills will also involve territorial defense forces and special units, which will be involved in drills on the protection of critical infrastructure facilities and prevention of sabotage. It was noted that the increased scale of the drills and their complexity are a clear signal “of the Union State’s readiness for joint defense and effective counteraction to external threats.”
Military commissariats and territorial defense
Military commissariats
On September 19, demonstrative exercises were held at the Pinsk bus depot on the topic “Organization of the work of the equipment preliminary assembly point.” Officers of the mobilization departments (groups) of the military commissariats of Brest region, as well as civilian personnel responsible for the equipment preliminary assembly point attended the training. During the training, the work of the departments of equipment preliminary assembly point was practiced.
On September 20, the military commissariat of Mahiliou city and Mahiliou district inspected the mobilization readiness of the notification and collection point of Pashkauski village executive committee. During the inspection, the deployment and work on notification and supply of mobilization resources was practiced.
Draft to military training sessions
Another training session with conscripts is taking place in the 120th Mechanized Brigade. More than 60 reservists were drafted. On September 20, it was reported that the training session was completed.
Conscription for compulsory military service
The peculiarity of the fall 2024 conscription campaign is its shortened terms. It started not in August (as usual), but on September 2, and will last until November 30.
During the fall 2024 conscription, the military commissariat of Iuye district plans to draft about 40 people for compulsory service. It was reported that the new recruits will be sent to the troops from October 22 to November 6.
During the fall 2024 conscription, the military commissariat of Stoubtsy district plans to draft about 100 people for compulsory service.
During the fall 2024 conscription, the military commissariat of Ashmiany district plans to draft about 50 people for compulsory service.
During the fall 2024 conscription, the military commissariat of Krychau district plans to draft over 60 people for compulsory service.
According to the military commissar of Iuye district, the peculiarity of the fall 2024 conscription is the changes made to the Law “On Military Duty and Military Service”. Now military commissariats can’t send conscripts for medical examination. If a conscript has any diseases, he should independently (before the start of conscription activities) visit health care institutions, undergo examinations and provide documents to the medical commission. According to the official, the changes “facilitate the work of the medical commission, removing a significant share of the burden from it.”
During the week, servicemen of the 6th Mechanized Brigade held a meeting at the military commissariat of Hrodna city and Hrodna district. At the meeting, representatives of the brigade spoke about the possibility of military service under contract.
During the week, servicemen of the 11th Mechanized Brigade held meetings at military commissariats of Savetski and Tsentralny districts of Minsk, as well as Luninets Agrarian College. At the meetings, representatives of the brigade spoke about the possibility of military service under contract.
Conscription of reserve officers
On September 16, the military commissariat of Buda-Kashaliova and Chachersk districts drafted 5 reserve officers for military service.
In 2024, 9 reserve officers were drafted into the 350th Artillery Group of the 6th Mechanized Brigade.
On September 17, the military commissariat of Kletsk district drafted a reserve officer for military service in the 86th Signal Brigade.
On September 18, the military commissariat of Rahachou and Karmiansk districts drafted 3 reserve officers for military service.
On September 20, the military commissariat of Smaliavichy district and Zhodzina drafted 4 reserve officers for military service. Graduates of higher education institutions of 2024 were subject to conscription.
On September 20, the military commissariat of Biaroza district drafted 2 reserve officers for military service.
Territorial defense
On September 17, during the combat coordination of the units of the separate rifle battalion of the territorial troops of Hrodna district, the units were trained on the order of duty at the checkpoint. During the training, patrolling of the territory together with police officers was practiced. Three training places were organized: vehicle inspection, the procedure of actions in paired patrols, as well as the actions of servicemen in repelling an attack at the checkpoint. A UAV was used to monitor the situation and collect information.
During the week, combat training exercises were conducted with the conscripts of the territorial troops of Vitsiebsk and Orsha districts. Reservists were trained in firearms training and UAV operation. They practiced firing a DShK large-caliber machine gun, destroying UAVs with small arms, and moving as part of an assault team.
National home guard
On September 19, a training on the procedure of formation of national home guard detachments was held in Salihorsk district. The training covered the requirements of the guiding documents on the formation of national home guard detachments, the order of use of weapons, etc.
On September 19, exercises with commanders and deputy commanders of national home guard detachments, as well as chairmen of village executive committees of Kletsk district were held on the basis of the Chyrvonazviazdouski village executive committee.
On September 20, for the first time, comprehensive exercises with the commanders of national home guard detachments of Smaliavichy district were held on the basis of Aziorytska-Slabada village executive committee. During the training, the issues of forming national home guard detachments, obtaining weapons and ammunition, and tactical medicine were discussed. During the practical training, they practiced counteraction to a sabotage group trying to blow up the dam of the reservoir. Similar exercises are planned to be held every six months.
Internal Troops
On September 16, the closing of the intensive training course of the 4th year cadets of the Internal Troops Faculty of the Military Academy took place at the Valoushchyna training center. Former mercenaries of PMC Wagner were involved in the training of the cadets.
On September 17, another training session with soldiers of the Chest’ volunteer special forces detachment began. The main goal is to conduct combat coordination of the personnel of the special forces detachment. More than 200 reservists who have previously served in special units of the Internal Troops and internal affairs bodies will sharpen their combat skills, taking into account the realities of modern combat operations. The main focus will be on learning new weapons, UAVs, practicing interaction with artillery and group coordination.
Exercises with reservists are held at the Valoushchyna training center under the guidance of instructors with combat experience (former PMC Wagner mercenaries), as well as officers from the combat training and sports center of the 3rd Special Forces Brigade (military unit 3214). The reservists are being trained in firearms training and movements in small groups.
On September 19, exams on professional and position training for female servicemen were held at the Internal Troops Faculty. Based on the results of the training, 13 servicewomen will be awarded their first officer ranks.
A training session for crews of combat vehicles and BTR-80 of the special forces detachments of the Internal Troops took place at the Belaya Luzha training center. The central theme of the training session was working with armored vehicles, placing personnel in them, and stowing equipment and ammunition. Firing at enemy vehicles was also practiced. In addition, the training sessions included military medical, technical and nuclear, chemical and biological protection training.
Flights of Russian UAVs into Belarus
On the night of September 15-16, one Russian UAV of the Shahed-136/131 type flew into the airspace of Belarus and stayed there for 20 minutes. Later, the drone flew to the territory of Ukraine. No forces of the Belarusian Air Force were used to intercept it.
On September 17, Aliaksandr Lukashenka spoke for the first time about Russian UAVs flying into Belarus. According to him, they agreed with Ukrainians that they would not highlight the facts of Russian and Ukrainian drones flying into Belarus in the media. According to Lukashenka, one of the drones was found “near Babruisk – in the center of Belarus. And these were Ukrainian drones, not Russian. Although it happens from the other side as well.” In other words, Lukashenka recognized the fact of flights of Russian Shahed-136/131 UAVs into Belarus.
Activity of the military-industrial complex
The State Authority for Military Industry will take part in the 5th International Defense Exhibition “ADEX 2024”, which will be held in Baku on September 24-26. More than 200 companies from 19 countries are expected to take part in the event. Belarusian enterprises of the military-industrial complex will present their developments at the exhibition: OJSC “AGAT-control systems”, OJSC “KB Radar”, OJSC “Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant”, OJSC “558 Aviation Repair Plant”, OJSC “Orsha Aircraft Repair Plant”, LLC “ATE-engineering”. In total, about 140 full-size samples and mock-ups of weapons and military equipment, as well as dual-use products will be presented.
Formation of new units
According to clarified information, the 62nd Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (military unit 96871) is being formed in Hrodna. The unit is probably the successor of the 62nd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade (military unit 16377), which was stationed in Vishniaviets before its disbandment in 2011. The most probable reason for the formation of the unit is the new operational command (Southern), which has been being established in the Belarusian Armed Forces since 2022.
Infrastructure
Construction of a military town continues in Homiel district. The facility may be intended for: 1) units of the Southern Operational Command; 2) a new unit (brigade) of the Special Operations Forces. Construction work began in fall 2023. According to available information, preparations are currently underway for the implementation of the 2nd stage of construction of the military town, during which it is planned to install engineering infrastructure (communication lines, gas pipeline, etc.) to the future military town. The construction of the town is planned to be completed in 2027.
