Belarusian State Enterprises Allegedly Supporting Russia's Ammunition Production

Several Belarusian state-owned enterprises are engaged in the mass production of ammunition for the Russian military, according to an investigation by the Belarusian organization BelPol on January 19.

The report identifies key enterprises involved in manufacturing 122mm and 152mm shells for the Russian army, including the Belarusian Automobile Plant (BelAZ), the Belarusian Metallurgical Plant, and the Barysaw Plant of Automotive and Tractor Electrical Equipment.

In total, 15 state-owned enterprises in Belarus are reportedly contributing to ammunition production, as detailed by the investigators. Among these is a new project linked to the Maladzyechna Powder Metallurgy Plant.

The investigation also revealed that in 2023, the Belarusian enterprise 'Precision Electromechanics Plant' signed a contract with Russia’s 'Splav.' Under the agreement, Belarus committed to supplying 13,000 components for Grad  multiple rocket launcher systems to Russia.

Additionally, BelAZ was reportedly involved in electroplating metal sleeves for rocket artillery and producing pipe blanks for missiles. These tasks were carried out in collaboration with another enterprise, 'BAZTube.'

Belarus has been providing logistical, military, and strategic support to Russia in its war against Ukraine. It allowed Russian forces to use its territory for the February 2022 invasion, including the failed advance on Kyiv. Belarusian airfields, railways, and hospitals have supported Russian operations, while factories reportedly produce ammunition and weapon components for Moscow.

Previously in December, Russian leader Vladimir Putin approved the treaty and formally integrated Belarus into Russia’s nuclear strategy, following a constitutional change in 2022 that enabled Belarus to host such weapons.