From tractors to missiles: Belarus switches to military rails

Demand for Belarusian defense developments has grown rapidly since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. In response to the growing demand from the Russian Federation, the Belarusian authorities have sharply changed their priorities in technology development – instead of civilian areas, projects with military potential have become the focus of attention.

This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.

One of the main reasons for this turn of events was Western sanctions against Russia, which made it difficult for it to import the necessary components for the production of drones, missiles and other weapons. Belarus, having its own technical base, became one of the alternatives.

According to the SZR, the Belarusian government has stepped up the launch of new production in the field of drones, dual-purpose electronics, and optical devices. A significant part of such projects is planned to be implemented in the shortest possible time – within a year or a year and a half, despite the fact that civil initiatives in the country are usually designed for a long period.

In particular, the project of a plant for the production of composite elements for unmanned aerial vehicles, which was frozen back in 2020, was resumed. By the end of 2024, the enterprise was fully built and equipped, and in February 2025 it began operating. In March, the plant reached full capacity.

The SZR also reports on the launch of a new production facility at the Zenit-BelOMO enterprise, which will manufacture sighting systems and automotive components. Production is expected to begin in August, with full capacity expected by the end of the year.

In addition, the Belarusian plant “Integral” is expanding its capabilities for the production of electronic components that can be used, in particular, in missile weapons of the X-101 type. The new workshop of the enterprise should be put into operation in December 2025, and in 2026 – to bring its production to the planned level.

Recall that the Belarusian economy is slowing down due to integration with Russia . In 2025, Belarus’ GDP growth decreased compared to last year.

As reported, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko cannot keep the economy in check, which is gradually deteriorating . In an attempt to curb inflation, the authorities are once again resorting to price regulation.

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