Events

12 Jan 2026

Defense minister: Belarusian military received new counter-drone systems

An archive photo

MINSK, 12 January (BelTA) – The Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces received modern counter-drone systems in 2025, Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin told journalists following the approval by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko of the decisions on border security in 2026, BelTA has learned.

“To enhance our Air Force and Air Defense capabilities, over the past year we have received and commissioned Su-30SM2 fighter jets. We have acquired Tor missile systems, which have shown high effectiveness against drones specifically. We have also got new Mi-35 helicopters and advanced radar stations Sopka, Vostok, and Rosa-RB. This equipment allows us to monitor the situation both along our border and in the areas beyond it,” the defense minister said.

As BelTA previously reported, Aleksandr Lukashenko, while approving the decisions on state border protection for 2026, stated that the situation around Belarus is not becoming calmer. He particularly noted incidents of drones entering the country’s airspace. “When drones can enter our territory from unpredictable directions. Frankly speaking, we have not yet learned to respond fully to these incursions, nor to destroy them completely. I am not sure whether achieving 100% effectiveness is possible, but it is a goal we must strive toward,” the head of state emphasized.