Territorial Defense Forces of Belarus are learning to counter UAVs

27 October, 2024 A conscript with an anti-drone gun to counter UAVs during exercises of the Belarusian Territorial Defence Forces. Photo credits: State Authority for Military Industry of the Republic of Belarus During military training for the Belarusian Territorial Defence Forces in the Vitebsk region, conscripts learned to fight off a UAV attack.

The official Telegram channel of the State Authority for Military Industry of the Republic of Belarus announced this. "In early October, a training of the Territorial Defence Forces was held in Orsha district with the leadership of territorial defense management bodies of the Vitebsk region. The purpose of the training with the region's territorial troops was to develop common approaches to territorial defense and test its effectiveness," the agency said.

During the training, a scenario was rehearsed to fight off an attack on a critical infrastructure facility.

Centers for countering UAVs were deployed during exercises of the Belarusian Territorial Defence Forces. Photo credits: State Authority for Military Industry of the Republic of Belarus

Technika Svyazi was selected as a "critical infrastructure facility" and participated directly in the exercise. The company's main activities include producing digital and analog radio communication systems for law enforcement agencies, combat equipment, components for installation on armored vehicles, and telecommunications equipment.

As can be seen in the published photos, centers were set up during the exercise to counter enemy UAVs. In particular, an observation center protected by a net from an attack from above and a center equipped with an improvised turret can be spotted.

Center for countering UAVs with an improvised turret. Photo credits: State Authority for Military Industry of the Republic of Belarus

However, the effectiveness of using four AK-74s and an anti-drone rifle to protect critical infrastructure from a UAV attack seems questionable.

From September 10 to October 3, 2024, Belarus held a training of the Territorial Defense Forces near the border with Russia in the Vitebsk region.

Formation of the troops of the Territorial Defense Forces of Belarus. Photo credits: Belarusian mass media

Conscripts from the Vitebsk and Orsha districts were involved in it. According to the Ministry of Defense, the main aim is to check the work of military registration and enlistment offices and state bodies to strengthen the army with mobilized personnel.

£17,340 was allocated for the training, three times less than in 2023.

The Vitebsk region became the 10th region to host the exercise and related training since the beginning of 2024.