Belarus Deepens Industrial Support for Russia's War Effort Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Belarus's Enduring Role in Russia's Military Operations

Despite not engaging in active combat operations against Ukraine, Belarus continues to function as a critical industrial support hub for Russia's military. This support encompasses the provision of weapons components, vehicle platforms, and a significant expansion of ammunition production capacity, underscoring the deep integration between the two nations' military-industrial complexes.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka has openly acknowledged and defended his country's assistance to Russia, stating in January 2025 that he had 'no regrets' about allowing Russia to use Belarusian territory for the invasion of Ukraine. He has consistently emphasized the deep-rooted alliance with Moscow.

Industrial Backbone for Moscow's War Machine

The Belarusian military-industrial sector operates in close coordination with Russia under the framework of the Union State. Reports indicate that at least 99 Belarusian defense enterprises supply nearly 1,900 types of components to 255 Russian military manufacturers. Independent analyses suggest the actual number of contributing Belarusian firms could exceed 500.

Key contributions include:

• Microelectronics and Optics: Companies like JSC Integral have shipped millions of microchips to Russia, valued at over $130 million by mid-2024. These components are vital for precision-guided weapons, including Kh-101 cruise missiles and aircraft such as the Su-30SM and Su-34. OJSC Planar supplies optics.
• Drone Technology: Belarus has revived its drone-related manufacturing capabilities, with a previously mothballed facility for composite UAV components restarting in 2024 and reaching full capacity in early 2025.
• Repair and Modernization: Belarusian enterprises are actively involved in the restoration of military equipment damaged in combat, providing a full range of services to the Russian military-industrial complex.

Expanding Ammunition and Vehicle Production

Belarus has significantly ramped up its munitions manufacturing to meet Russian demand. Plans are in place to produce 300,000 rocket projectiles and 450,000 artillery shells annually by 2028. Notably, China has reportedly provided production equipment for shell casings, with Chinese engineers supervising the output at Belarusian factories, which produce 152mm and 122mm shells under Russian defense contracts.

Specific examples of ammunition production include:

• JSC Legmash in Orsha is producing 152mm and 122mm artillery shells for various cannons and howitzers, as well as 122mm unguided rockets for the 9K51 'Grad' MLRS.
• Belarus supplied over 130,000 tons of ammunition from its existing stockpiles to Russia in 2022–2023, with additional deliveries of approximately 5,000 tons (192 railcars) in 2024.

In terms of vehicle platforms, the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT) is a crucial supplier of heavy vehicles and chassis that underpin multiple Russian weapons systems, including the Iskander ballistic missile system, the Uragan-1M multiple launch rocket system, and S-400 air defense units. Additionally, MAZ series military trucks, such as the MAZ-5316, have been documented in use by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, partly due to significant losses of Russian Ural and Kamaz vehicles.

International Response and Strategic Implications

Belarus's extensive support for Russia has drawn widespread international condemnation and led to significant sanctions from the European Union and the United States. These sanctions target various sectors of the Belarusian economy and aim to prevent the circumvention of measures imposed on Russia.

Despite the material and logistical assistance, Belarus has maintained that its own troops are not directly involved in combat operations in Ukraine, with President Lukashenka stating he would not send Belarusian forces unless attacked first. However, Belarus has transferred military equipment from its own military units to Russia, suggesting a depletion of its own stockpiles. The economic impact of the war and sanctions has further increased Belarus's reliance on Russia.