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Belarus Becomes Putin’s Weapons Workshop: Microchips for Missiles, Drones for War
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Belarus is accelerating the development of its defense manufacturing sector to meet Russia’s growing demand for military components, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU).
The expansion includes production facilities for drones, dual-use electronics, and targeting systems—capabilities that have gained strategic importance for Russia amid sanctions and supply chain constraints.
According to the report, the Belarusian government is prioritizing projects with military applications, shifting its innovation strategy from civilian sectors such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals to defense-focused manufacturing.
The construction and activation of military-related production lines are being implemented on an expedited timeline, with most facilities planned to be completed and operational within 12 to 18 months.
Among the key developments cited:
A composite components factory for unmanned aerial vehicles was launched at the National Center for Multifunctional Drone Complexes. Initially suspended in 2020, the project was revived after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The facility was completed by the end of 2024 and began operations in February 2025. It reached full production capacity in March.
At the “Zenit-BelOMO” enterprise, production of optical targeting systems and automotive components is underway. These systems are intended for both domestic use and for export to Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) partners. The production line is scheduled to launch in August, with full operations expected by the end of the year.
The “Integral” facility is expanding its capacity to manufacture dual-use microelectronics. Ukrainian intelligence indicates that the microchips produced there could be used in guidance systems for Russia’s Kh-101 cruise missiles. A new workshop is scheduled to come online in December 2025 and reach full production by 2026.
The SZRU notes that these defense-oriented investments differ significantly from Belarus’s traditional long-term planning in civilian sectors.
The pace and focus of the current expansion reflect Russia’s urgent need for alternative suppliers of military technologies amid continued international restrictions.
Earlier, satellite images reviewed by Swedish broadcaster SVT revealed that Russia is upgrading a Soviet-era nuclear storage facility at the Osipovichi base in Belarus. The site now features a new railway loading platform and deployed air defense systems, indicating preparations for potential nuclear deployment near NATO’s eastern flank.
