Belarus' Military Records: A Historical Overview

Belarus's military record is one of a small but dedicated force, with a 2024 ranking of 64 out of 145 countries in the annual Global Firepower review. The country's armed forces consist of ground forces and an air force, with no navy due to its landlocked position. The military is largely made up of conscripts serving for 18 months, although there is an alternative service option. Belarus has a history of Soviet influence, with many military laws and a high number of reserve personnel dating back to the Soviet era. The country's defence budget is relatively small, and its equipment consists mostly of Soviet-era hand-me-downs.

Military equipment

The Armed Forces of Belarus consist of the Ground Forces and the Air Force and Air Defence Forces, all under the command of the Ministry of Defence. The Belarusian military is almost exclusively armed with Soviet-era equipment inherited from the Soviet Union, although some of it is considered outdated by Western experts.

Infantry weapons

The standard service rifle is used by special forces. Other infantry weapons include:

• Semi-automatic pistols (Glock 17 and 34)
• Selective fire machine pistols
• Sniper rifles and designated marksman rifles
• Anti-materiel sniper rifles
• General-purpose machine guns
• Squad automatic weapons
• Underslung grenade launchers
• Rocket-propelled grenades

Vehicles

Infantry fighting vehicles

Belarus has 124 airborne infantry fighting vehicles.

Armoured personnel carriers

Armoured personnel carriers in use include the BTR-70MB1 and BTR-82A.

Amphibious armoured scout cars

The Caiman Mobile Armored Vehicle is an example of an amphibious armoured scout car.

Artillery and rocket systems

Multiple rocket launchers

The Belarusian military uses the BM-21A "BelGrad" multiple rocket launcher, which is being upgraded to the BM-21B "BelGrad 2" standard.

Self-propelled artillery

Self-propelled artillery in use includes the 152mm 2S3(M) Akatsiya and the 152mm 2S5 Giatsint-S.

Tactical ballistic missiles

Belarus uses tactical ballistic missiles such as the Polonez launcher.

Short-range ballistic missiles

The Belarusian military has Chinese-designed M20 SRBM missiles, fired from the Polonez launcher.

Air defence systems

Self-propelled anti-aircraft guns

The 30mm 2K22(M) Tunguska is an example of a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.

Surface-to-air missile systems

The Belarusian military has access to the S-300 air defence system, delivered from Russia. They have also acquired the S-400 air defence system.

Unmanned aerial vehicles

The Belarusian military operates the Burevestnik-MB armed drone, the Busel-MB reconnaissance drone, and the Berserk combat UGV.

Military training

In December 2001, the Ground Forces underwent a major reorganisation, producing two operational-territorial commands: the Western Operational Command at Grodno, and the North Western Operational Command at Barysaw. This reorganisation further confirmed the Belarusian Ground Forces' integration into the Russian military command structure. Belarus does not independently plan or conduct large-scale exercises and operates under Russian command during joint exercises.

The Air Force and Air Defence Force consist of fighter/interceptor bases, fighter-ground attack/training aircraft, attack and support helicopters, and SAM units.

In addition to the Ground Forces and the Air Force and Air Defence Forces, Belarus also has the following:

• Special Forces: an airmobile and strategic deterrence force.
• Transport Troops: responsible for the movement of personnel and material by truck, rail, and air.
• Territorial Forces: a homeland defence organisation with over 120,000 troops.
• Internal Troops: formed from the former Soviet Internal Troops, consisting of three independent brigades and seven independent battalions.
• Border Guard Service: the paramilitary force of the State Border Committee of Belarus, covering the borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.

Military service age

The length of military service in Belarus has varied over time. In 1874, when all 21-year-old males became subject to military service, the term of service was 6 years active and 9 years in the reserve. The length of active duty was reduced to 5 years in 1876 and then fluctuated between 3 and 5 years thereafter. In 2017, most soldiers were conscripts serving for a period of 18 months, although there was an alternative service option.

The Belarusian army is relatively small, with the most combat-ready segment not exceeding 15,000 troops. The remainder are about as efficient as Russia's new conscripts. Belarusian society is also overwhelmingly against the country's participation in the war in Ukraine, with more than 90% rejecting the idea of joining on Russia's side.

Military strength

Belarus's military strength is a significant aspect of the country's defence capabilities and regional influence. Here is an overview of its military strength:

Manpower and Conscription

Belarus has a total population of approximately 9.38 million people, out of which, 4.97 million are available manpower, according to 2024 statistics. The country follows a conscription system, with 18-27 years being the eligible age range for compulsory military service. Most soldiers are conscripts serving for a period of 18 months, although alternatives are available. In 2024, the active personnel were estimated to be around 63,000, with 145,000 reserve personnel and 55,000 paramilitary personnel.

Ground Forces

The Belarusian Ground Forces were established on March 20, 1992, alongside the Defence Ministry. By 1994, the ground forces had over 50,000 troops, mainly comprising former soldiers of the Soviet Army's Belorussian Military District. In 2007, the Land Forces consisted of approximately 29,600 soldiers organised into several brigades and battalions. As of 2017, the number of mechanised brigades had been reduced to four, with two at full strength and two at reduced strength.

Air Force and Air Defence Forces

The Air Force and Air Defence Force consist of fighter/interceptor bases, fighter-ground attack/training aircraft, attack and support helicopters, and SAM units. In 2007, personnel numbers were around 18,170, with 260 fighter-ground attack/training aircraft and 80 attack helicopters. The Air Force now has two commands: the Western Operational-Tactical Command and the North-Western Operational-Tactical Command.

Military Equipment and Vehicles

Belarus's military equipment primarily consists of Soviet-era weaponry inherited from the Soviet Union. While some Western experts consider this equipment outdated, Belarus receives around 100 new and upgraded systems annually. The country's main battle tanks (MBTs) include Russian-made T-72, T-62, and T-55 models, with T-72s being the most numerous. Armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) include MT-LB, BMP-2, and BMP-1 models. The Belarusian military also operates various types of trucks, such as the GAZ-66 and KAMAZ-6560.

Global Ranking and Power Index

In the 2024 Global Firepower review, Belarus ranked 64th out of 145 countries considered. It received a Power Index score of 1.0901, with a perfect score being 0. This ranking takes into account various factors, including manpower, airpower, land power, financials, and geography.

International Cooperation and Interventions

Belarus has a close partnership with Russia, integrating its air defence system with Russia's and signing agreements for the creation of a unified air defence system. Belarusian troops have also been speculated to join Russia's forces in Ukraine, although this has not occurred. Additionally, Belarusian military specialists have been sent to various countries, including Venezuela, Libya, and Yemen, offering training and support.

Military history

Belarus has been the site of many significant military events throughout history, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Medieval Battles

Belarus was the site of many battles during the Middle Ages, including against the Swedes during the Great Northern War. In 1812, Napoleon's army suffered a crushing defeat on the banks of the Berezina River in Belarus.

World War I

In the early 20th century, Belarus was part of the Russian Empire and was heavily involved in World War I. The country was a key battleground between the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Allies (Great Britain, France, and Russia). The Belarusian city of Mogilev even served as the headquarters of the commander-in-chief of the Russian army, Emperor Nicholas II. During this time, the Belarusian population was almost entirely engaged in agriculture, while trade was dominated by Poles and Jews.

Post-World War I

After World War I, Belarus was largely tied to the course of events in the Russian Empire and revolutionary Russia. In 1918, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed between Russia and Germany, which gave up part of present-day Belarus to Germany. However, with Germany's subsequent defeat, the terms of the treaty were abrogated.

World War II

During World War II, Belarus, then known as the Byelorussian SSR, was invaded by Nazi Germany as part of Operation Barbarossa. The Belarusian SSR was occupied by Nazi Germany following bloody encirclement battles. The Nazi occupation resulted in atrocities against the Jewish population, with more than 50,000 troops devoted to rounding up and killing Jews. The Holocaust, along with the mass starvation of civilians and scorched-earth tactics employed by the retreating Germans, resulted in the deaths of between one and two million Soviet Jews and millions of Belarusian civilians.

Post-World War II

After World War II, Belarus became part of the Soviet Union as the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR). The country gained independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Frequently asked questions