Belarus is accelerating its defense production capabilities as Russia seeks alternative sources amid sanctions and US President Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to end the war with Ukraine.
The Eastern European country will shift its innovation priority from civilian sectors to defense-focused manufacturing, particularly those related to uncrewed aerial vehicles, dual-use electronics, and targeting equipment, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
Most military-related facilities are expected to fast-track construction and begin operations within a year and a half.
Belarusian Facilities
The Ukrainian agency cited three examples within the Russian ally’s territory.
A producer of drone composite components, the Scientific and Production Centre for Multipurpose Unmanned Systems’ construction, was put on hold in 2020. It was revived after the outbreak of the war between Russia and Ukraine in 2022.
It began operations in February 2025 and reached full capacity in March.
Meanwhile, Zenit–BelOMO (Zenit – Belarusian Optical and Mechanical Plant) is scheduled to launch in August, with full operations by the end of the year.
Zenit–BelOMO produces sighting and auto components for Commonwealth of Independent States members, mostly composed of Russia and former Soviet republics but excluding the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The Integral facility, which manufactures dual-use electronics components, potentially including microchips used in Moscow’s Kh-101 missile guidance system, is expected to begin operations in December. By 2026, it is expected to reach nominal production levels.
