There were no significant changes in the military situation in Belarus in April. No substantial buildup of forces was observed along the border with Ukraine, nor was there a permanent presence of aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces, nor any fundamentally new information regarding the deployment of the TNW and the Oreshnik missile system. At the same time, current developments point to a gradual but consistent adaptation of the Belarusian military system to the conditions of a protracted regional confrontation. The main areas of this adaptation are countering UAVs, enhancing mobilization resilience, developing infrastructure, and rearmament.
– In April, the results of combat readiness inspections of the Belarusian Armed Forces, conducted at the initiative of A. Lukashenka and the Ministry of Defense, were announced. Based on the findings of the inspections, the army was deemed generally combat-ready. However, issues were identified regarding its adaptation to modern forms of warfare.
– The key combat training event was command-staff drills at the 19th Mechanized Brigade, designed to conduct an assessment of the unit’s readiness to be deployed at the highest level of combat readiness. In general, the training was comprehensive in nature and focused on modern threats – primarily countering UAVs, operations in EW conditions, and combating sabotage and reconnaissance groups. These activities demonstrate the adaptation of the Belarusian Armed Forces to the experience of the war in Ukraine.
– Deliveries of new weapons and equipment continued. The main development was the start of deliveries of upgraded T-72BM2 tanks to the troops. At the same time, plans to transfer Polonez MLRS to artillery brigades were outlined again, though the timeline for implementation remains unclear.
– The development of military infrastructure continues, primarily in Asipovichy district, where new construction is underway on the territory of the 1405th artillery ammunition base of unknown purpose. At the same time, repair work is underway at Babruisk airfield, and construction of a military compound for the 37th Air Assault Brigade in Homiel district continues. No reports have been made regarding the formation of new units. However, new information has emerged regarding the structure of the Belarusian Armed Forces units equipped with the Tor-M2K SAM system, as well as the ongoing formation of attack UAV companies within mechanized brigades.
– International military cooperation retained its previous scope and formats: priority continued to be given to the post-Soviet states and integration structures (the CIS, the CSTO, and the SCO), with simultaneous development of contacts with countries in the “outer arc.” Contacts with NATO countries remained occasional. They were primarily technical and ceremonial in nature, with no signs of deepening cooperation.
– Aviation activity focused on countering UAVs violating Belarusian airspace. During the month, 18 sorties by aviation forces on duty were recorded, including combat missions. At the same time, Mi-24/35M helicopters were on duty in Krasnapollie and Mazyr districts to ensure a rapid response to UAV incursions and to protect the Mazyr Oil Refinery and the staging area of the Oreshnik missile system.
– A key development in the area of staffing was the completion of the spring conscription campaign. In total, around 10,600 people are scheduled to be assigned to the armed forces for compulsory service and reserve service. However, there remains a discrepancy between the Ministry of Defense’s statistics and the aggregate regional data on the number of conscripts. In addition, another round of conscription of reserve officers was launched, aimed at filling entry-level positions and improving the quality of mobilization resources.
– The activities of military commissariats proceeded as planned. The main event in April was the first training session of 2026 involving territorial troops. Additionally, there are signs of increased control over conscripts, including the imposition of penalties for violations of military registration rules. According to open sources, at least 7,056 people were drafted for various types of military training sessions from January to April.
– The Internal Troops continued to build up their combat capabilities by mastering new equipment, refining interagency coordination, and conducting training sessions with instructors who have combat experience. At the same time, the certification of special forces units was completed, and a training system for “volunteer” units was developed, with an emphasis on assault and practical tasks.
– The activities of the border guard service focused on developing infrastructure along the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, including the commissioning of new border outposts equipped with modern surveillance systems. The expansion of the network of facilities has been systematic and has intensified since 2022, reflecting the perception of the southern direction as a source of threats.
– The military-industrial complex focused its efforts on developing new types of equipment and solutions, including robotic platforms, the modernization of SAM systems, and fire control systems. Military-technical cooperation remained limited and was of a selective nature, including collaboration with Cuba and Russia in the areas of cooperation and export control.
– No fundamentally new information has emerged regarding the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system in Belarus. Official statements regarding the TNW have remained standard, but there is still no reliable evidence of its actual deployment. As for the Oreshnik missile system, no signs of launchers being deployed in Belarus have been detected either.
– The situation on the border with Ukraine remains stable. Units of the Special Operations Forces, Air Defense Forces, and Internal Troops, totaling about 1,000 personnel, continue to be stationed in the border regions on a rotational basis. They are tasked with guarding the border, Russian military facilities, and critical infrastructure. These units do not pose a military threat to Ukraine, and statements regarding a potential threat are primarily of an informational nature. No changes to security legislation were recorded in April.
– UAV incursions into Belarusian airspace are systematic in nature – at least 37 such incursions (primarily by Russian UAVs) have been recorded. In response, Belarus is strengthening its air defense capabilities and adapting its infrastructure. However, the measures taken are often limited in scope and somewhat improvised.
– The situation regarding the Russian military presence in Belarus has not changed. As of May 1, the number of Russian military personnel in Belarus is estimated at about 2,100 people. Arrivals of aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Belarus remained rare, and as of May 1, no permanent presence of Russian aircraft had been recorded. Aviation activity of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Belarus remained limited and sporadic. Arrivals of An-12, Il-76, An-148, and Tu-134 aircraft were recorded, some of which were related to the exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine. The flight of a Tu-22M3 on April 2 deserves special attention: it was demonstrative in nature and showed the possibility of using Belarusian airspace.
Contents
1. Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus
1.1. Combat training
1.2. Rearmament
1.3. Military infrastructure development. Formation of new units
1.4. International military cooperation
1.5. Aviation activity
1.6. Personnel appointments. Staffing of troops and training of specialists
1.7. Military commissariats
1.8. Training of military-trained reserve
2. Other agencies of the state’s military organization 16
2.1. Internal Troops
2.2. Border Guard Service
3. Work of the military-industrial complex. Military-technical cooperation
3.1. Work of the military-industrial complex
3.2. Military-technical cooperation
4. Tactical nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system in Belarus
4.1. Tactical nuclear weapons
4.2. Oreshnik missile system
5. Legislative changes
6. Situation in the regions of Belarus bordering Ukraine
7. Violation of Belarus’s airspace by UAVs
8. Russia’s military presence in Belarus
8.1. Strength of the Russian group
8.2. Aviation activity
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Материал доступен на русском языке: Обзор военной активности в Беларуси за апрель 2026
