Belarus secretly produces ammunition for Russia's war in Ukraine: “Products are export-oriented”
Belarus has begun a secret program to expand the production of artillery shells and rocket munitions to support Russia's war against Ukraine, according to an investigation by the Belarusian opposition group BELPOL.
Belarus expands its production of artillery shells and missile ammunition PHOTO: AFP
The initiative was reportedly launched following a confidential order signed by Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko in November 2023, and full-scale operations are planned to begin at the end of 2026, according to BELPOL, quoted by TVP World.
According to the investigation, the production facility is located in the Slutsk district, about 60 kilometers south of Minsk, on the site of a former Soviet-era ammunition depot. The project aims to develop a center capable of covering the entire production process for Soviet-caliber artillery ammunition and missiles.
In a video published on YouTube, BELPOL representative Uladzimir Zhyhar explained that the site is designed to operate on a “full production cycle of Soviet caliber artillery and rocket ammunition – 122mm and 152mm”.
“The project is strategically linked to the interests of the Ministry of Defense of Russia, as the final products are oriented towards export and use in the war against Ukraine“, he declared.
ZKI company, the core of the new initiative
The program centers around a start-up company, ZKI, emerging in late 2023. According to BELPOL, the firm is envisioned as a central pillar of Belarus' expanding military-industrial industry.
ZKI is supported by national companies and operates under the supervision of the State Military-Industrial Committee, the government institution responsible for coordinating the armaments sector in Belarus.
Dependence on external partners
The investigation also reveals the limits of Belarus' domestic capacity in munitions production, particularly in the manufacture of explosives. For this reason, the authorities in Minsk rely heavily on external support.
Uladzimir Zhyhar said Russia is providing assembly technology, components and specialized training, while China is providing equipment for loading 122 mm rockets, training personnel and explosive materials.
Discussions are also underway with Iran for the supply of components and with Pakistan for extensive expertise in explosives production.
Who is BELPOL?
BELPOL is an independent investigative group founded by former Belarusian police officers who left the Lukashenko regime. The organization investigates and denounces cases of corruption, human rights violations and the support provided by the authorities in Minsk to Russia's war against Ukraine.
