Belarus begins combat readiness inspection as part of broader military preparedness

Belarus has informed OSCE member states about a surprise inspection of its armed forces' combat readiness, as announced by Valery Revenko, head of the Department of International Military Cooperation and Assistant to the Minister of Defense of Belarus.

Revenko shared on social media platform X that Belarus voluntarily notified OSCE countries about the inspection, providing details such as the goals, timing, and number of participants to ensure transparency in military activities, per Caliber.Az.

🇧🇾 дабраахвотна апавясціла дзяржавы АБСЕ аб раптоу́най праверцы баявой гатоу́насці, якая праводзіцца ва Узброеных Сілах. Былі паведамлены мэты, тэрміны, колькасць удзельнікау́ праверкі, а таксама іншая інфармацыя, накіраваная на забеспячэнне адкрытасці ваеннай дзейнасці

— Валерий Ревенко (@Revenka_Valery) February 4, 2025

On February 3, Belarus’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the initiation of the combat readiness check. Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin explained that the readiness test is necessary to stay alert and prepared to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity if required.

The inspection includes testing new methods of using reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial systems, alongside ground troops, as well as actively employing electronic warfare systems. These systems will focus on suppressing control channels and countering unmanned aerial vehicles. The inspection will progress step-by-step, evaluating the preparedness of mechanized military units to execute their tasks.

According to the Ministry of Defense press service, personnel — including reservists — will be required to complete all necessary tasks to prepare weapons, military, and special equipment for deployment, and move to designated areas. Practical exercises and drills of varying scales will take place at firing ranges and unfamiliar terrains.

The inspection is led by Major General Pavel Muraveiko, Chief of the General Staff, who highlighted the importance of maintaining readiness given the current international situation. Minister Khrenin emphasized that these exercises aim to ensure that personnel and equipment remain prepared for any potential challenges.

By Tamilla Hasanova