The Belarusian Armed Forces are making preparations to enhance their reconnaissance capabilities ahead of the upcoming NATO “Defender” exercises. The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and Deputy Minister of Defense of Belarus, Viktor Gulevich, announced that measures will be taken to strengthen control over the country’s neighboring territory and airspace during the exercises. With the exercises set to take place from February to May 2024, approximately 90-100 thousand military personnel are expected to participate.
Gulevich emphasized that the primary focus of the Belarusian Armed Forces will be to monitor and track the situation on the ground as well as in the air. This will involve a significant movement of defense equipment, with logistics being carefully planned to ensure the formation of effective military groups.
The decision to bolster reconnaissance capabilities comes amidst increasing NATO military activities in the region. According to Lieutenant-General Alexander Volfovich, Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus, the number of NATO military exercises has more than tripled over the past two years, with a five-fold increase in the number of participants. These developments have prompted Belarus to take proactive measures to safeguard its national security.
The Ministry of Defense of Belarus has previously announced the commencement of exercises focused on mobilization readiness, further highlighting the country’s commitment to maintaining a strong defense posture. As tensions continue to rise in the region, the Belarusian Armed Forces are taking proactive steps to ensure their preparedness and ability to effectively respond to any potential threats.
