Session to discuss launch of advanced weaponry production
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A complete closed cycle for manufacturing advanced weaponry from means of mobility to means of destruction has to be created in Belarus. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko set the goal at the government conference held on 23 September to discuss the launch of advanced weaponry production.
“It is necessary to equip our army with modern, precise and effective weapons,” said the head of state. “The hardware is needed to give protection to army units, high mobility, manageability, and the ability to carry out recon mission and deliver fire strikes at long distances”.
“Weapon manufacturing differs from conventional product manufacturing. We cannot rely on buying weapon parts. We will have to create parts on our own. Even if today you strike a deal with a partner to make some kinds of weapons, keep in mind that tomorrow you may lose the partner. Nobody is going to give or sell what we need today — advanced weapons — even for a lot of money. You can see it in the example of our neighboring Ukraine,” noted Aleksandr Lukashenko.
In his words, the importance of advanced weapons can be recognized by examining the ongoing armed hostilities.
Aleksandr Lukashenko reminded: “If you want peace, prepare for war”. “We are not in danger of a war at present but the army has to be kitted out in a timely manner,” believes the Belarusian leader. “If we are ready to respond to any challenges, including similar ones, no war will happen. Unfortunately, wars evolve. And we have to evolve, too”.
The President pointed out that in January 2013 he set goals regarding further development of Belarusian defense industries and the development of new products. These goals were partially specified during visits to defense industry enterprises in Baranovichi and Borisov.
“It seems we have achieved certain results in this sphere. At present Belarusian companies have mastered capital repairs and modernization of virtually the entire lineup of aircraft and armored vehicles, air defense systems, radio location systems, radio reconnaissance and radio warfare systems,” stated the head of state. “At present new hardware is extremely expensive and many countries opt for modernizing and upgrading their old weapons if the weapons allow it,” added the head of state.
The President remarked that prototypes of modern armored vehicles and off-road vehicles had been created in Belarus, the production of communication solutions had started. “Wars evolve and unfortunately we have to evolve, too. This is why we are creating a mobile armored vehicle that will be able to transport small teams of special forces, well-trained specialists across long distances for them to cause unacceptable damage to the enemy,” said the President.
Apart from that, the development of an unmanned aerial vehicle with the operational distance of 100km and more has been completed. An anti-armor missile system has been created together with foreign partners. Considerable R&D headway has been secured in the modernization and development of air defense weapons, said the head of state.
The President said he believes the demand for Belarus-made defense products on the global market is confirmed by results of the 7thinternational weaponry and military hardware expo MILEX 2014 that took place in Minsk in July. For instance, enterprises run by the State Defense Industries Committee alone signed 55 contracts worth over $350 million. Contracts worth about $700 million were signed during the expo. “However, we have to move on,” stressed Aleksandr Lukashenko.
Addressing those present, Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked he would like to hear about progress in creating advanced weaponry and what results have been secured so far.
“I would like to warn everyone: may god have mercy on you if you fail the program I have outlined,” the Belarus President made it clear.