Russia to build massive drone factory in Belarus for key ally
Russia has proposed to Belarus the construction of drone facilities that could produce up to 100,000 drones annually. Alexander Lukashenko stated that this presents a "huge opportunity" for his country, according to Russian and Belarusian media. The project was proposed by one of Vladimir Putin's key advisors.
Russia will build a drone factory in Belarus to "ensure security" for its key ally, Belarusian state media reported. The idea originated from Maksim Oreshkin, a key advisor to Vladimir Putin and the deputy head of his administration.
During a joint viewing of a Russian drone exhibition in Minsk, Oreshkin informed Lukashenko about the potential for Russia to build facilities in Belarus. These facilities would be developed within a year and would produce "all key components," utilizing Russian technical solutions, Oreshkin stated.
We are ready to build a factory, Lukashenko declared. He added that this is a "huge prospect" for his country.
It is very important for Belarus to have its own drone manufacturing facilities, which would strengthen both its economy and national security, Maksim Oreshkin remarked.
Russia uses drones extensively in the war with Ukraine
Once full production capacity is reached, the factory would produce up to 100,000 drones annually. Moscow and Minsk need to finalize the remaining details of the plant's construction, including its location.
The Belsat TV portal highlighted that Oreshkin noted drones are "changing both the civilian and military spheres," without mentioning that Russia uses them extensively in the war against Ukraine.
He recalled that Belarus currently produces its own drones, but it is unknown in what quantity and whether it supplies them to Russia. There have been no signals so far indicating that this production is on a large scale.
