Belarusian Standard-Issue Firearms: What Guns Does The Country Use?

Belarus has a strong gun culture and the highest rate of gun ownership in Eastern Europe. Citizens are allowed to own weapons for different purposes, and licenses are issued for different types of weapons. The country's military forces are almost exclusively armed with Soviet-era equipment inherited from the Soviet Union, although some of it is considered outdated by Western experts. In recent years, there has been a pushback against gun ownership in the country, with more stringent checks and clearances required to obtain a license. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus, which has led to debates in the First Committee on global security.

Belarus's nuclear weapons stance

Belarus has a strong gun culture, with the highest rate of gun ownership in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet bloc. The country's legislation permits citizens to own weapons for various purposes, and licenses are issued for different types of weapons. Firearms are divided into three classes in Belarus: Class A (bolt-action rifles, sniper rifles, and shotguns), Class B (handguns, pistols, and submachine guns), and Class C (assault rifles).

Now, regarding Belarus' nuclear weapons stance:

Belarus, which gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, inherited a nuclear weapons infrastructure. However, it committed to nuclear disarmament and transferred all its remaining nuclear weapons to Russia by 1996. Belarus has ratified key treaties such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (PTBT), and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), reflecting its commitment to non-proliferation.

Despite its non-nuclear status, Belarus amended its constitution in February 2022 to allow Russia to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory. Russia deployed a shipment of nuclear weapons to Belarus at the end of 2023, and Belarusian military officials stated that these weapons serve as a strategic deterrent against potential adversaries. Belarus controls the means of delivery for the nuclear warheads deployed in the country, and its president has a role in deciding their use.

In August 2022, Belarus announced upgrades to its Su-25 fighter aircraft to enable them to carry nuclear weapons. Additionally, the country has conducted joint drills with Russia involving missiles and warplanes capable of delivering tactical nuclear weapons. Belarus has also received shipments of Iskander nuclear-capable missile systems from Russia and is reported to be housing members of the Russian paramilitary force, the Wagner Group.

While Belarus does not possess nuclear weapons itself, the presence of Russian nuclear weapons on its soil and its amended constitution allowing their deployment have shifted its nuclear stance. Belarus now plays a role in Russia's nuclear strategy, with these weapons serving as a political message and a deterrent against potential aggressors.

Civilian gun laws

Belarus has a strong gun culture and is reported to have the highest rate of gun ownership in Eastern Europe and among the former Soviet bloc countries. An estimated 53.4 out of 100 households in Belarus contain a firearm.

The country's gun laws are relatively relaxed, with citizens allowed to own weapons for different purposes. Firearms are classified into three types: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Class A weapons include bolt-action rifles, sniper rifles, and shotguns, which are primarily used for hunting. Class B weapons include handguns, pistols, and submachine guns, while Class C weapons include assault rifles.

To purchase a firearm, individuals must be citizens of Belarus and proficient in either Belarusian or Russian. The minimum age to buy firearms is 18 years, and background checks are conducted by gun dealers, who can refuse to sell if they deem the buyer a potential danger to the public.

Licenses are required to carry firearms in public, with different types of licenses available for pistols, assault rifles, and government use. The minimum age to obtain a pistol license is 21, although those under 21 can acquire one under the supervision of someone 21 or older.

While Belarus has lax storage laws for Class A weapons, weapons from all three classes must be locked away when in a vehicle parked at a government-owned premise unless the individual has a government license.

The country is also inviting to international gun owners, allowing them to bring their weapons across the border from neighbouring countries like Russia and Ukraine.

Military gun usage

Belarus gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and inherited a nuclear weapons infrastructure. By 1996, it had transferred all remaining nuclear weapons to Russia. However, in February 2022, Belarus amended its constitution to allow Russia to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory.

In terms of military gun usage, Belarus's armed forces are almost exclusively armed with Soviet-era equipment inherited from the Soviet Union. While Belarussection has a large number of weapons, some Western experts consider them outdated. The country's military gun usage includes a range of firearms, such as semi-automatic pistols, selective fire machine pistols, pump-action and semi-automatic combat shotguns, standard service rifles, suppressed assault rifles, sniper rifles, and bolt-action sniper rifles. They also utilise various types of machine guns, automatic weapons, grenade launchers, and anti-tank guided missiles.

In addition to firearms, Belarus's military also employs armoured vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, and multiple rocket launcher systems. They have access to self-propelled anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missile systems, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.

Belarus has a strong gun culture, with the highest gun ownership rate in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet bloc. Citizens are allowed to own weapons for different purposes, and licenses are issued accordingly. Firearms are classified into three types: Class A (bolt-actions, sniper rifles, shotguns), Class B (handguns, pistols, submachine guns), and Class C (assault rifles).

Hunting with firearms

Firearms in Belarus are classified into three types: Class A, B, and C. Class A weapons include bolt-action rifles, sniper rifles, and shotguns, and are primarily used for hunting. No license is required to use these weapons for hunting, as long as the land is not owned by anyone. Class B weapons include handguns, pistols, and submachine guns, and can be carried in public with a Pistol License. Class C weapons include assault rifles, both automatic and non-automatic, and can be carried in public with an Assault Rifle License.

To purchase a firearm in Belarus, individuals must be citizens of the country and be proficient in Belarusian or Russian. The minimum age to purchase firearms is 18 years, and background checks are conducted by gun dealers. Individuals must also have prior experience with firearms, which can be obtained through shooting classes or police and military academies.

In terms of the types of firearms used for hunting in Belarus, bolt-action rifles are commonly used by farmers, as they were historically relied on for hunting for food during the country's period of economic recovery. World War II-era Mosin Nagants and Kar 98ks, as well as more modern Saiga-12 shotguns, are popular choices for hunting weapons.

It is important to note that gun laws and regulations in Belarus are subject to change, and individuals interested in hunting with firearms should stay informed about the latest requirements and restrictions.

Gun culture

Belarus has a strong gun culture, with the highest rate of gun ownership in Eastern Europe and the fourth-highest globally. The country's gun culture is reflected in its legislation, which allows citizens to own weapons for different purposes, with licenses issued for different types of weapons.

Firearms in Belarus are classified into three types: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A weapons include bolt-action rifles, sniper rifles, shotguns, and primarily hunting weapons. Class B weapons include handguns, pistols, and submachine guns, while Class C weapons are assault rifles. Citizens are permitted to use bolt-action rifles and shotguns for hunting, and pistols and handguns may be carried in public for self-defence with a pistol license. Assault rifles can also be owned and carried in public with a separate license.

The country's gun culture is further evidenced by the popularity of shooting clubs and ranges, which attract both domestic enthusiasts and international tourists. The right to bear arms is also enshrined in the Belarusian constitution, which states that citizens are "allowed to take up arms against all harm to their life, property, and happiness." This stance has been supported by political leaders such as Alexander Lukashenko, who has emphasised the importance of gun ownership for self-defence, particularly in light of historical events like World War II.

However, it is important to note that obtaining a gun license in Belarus involves rigorous procedures. Individuals must have permanent residency or citizenship, undergo extensive background checks, and meet specific age requirements. Additionally, Belarus has a history of Soviet-era equipment, with some of its military forces still armed with outdated weaponry inherited from the Soviet Union.

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