Belarusian Armed Forces Launch New Stage of Readiness Inspection Amidst Parallel Presidential Review

Comprehensive Readiness Check Underway

The Belarusian Armed Forces have commenced a new stage of a comprehensive combat readiness inspection, as announced by the country's Defense Ministry. This inspection, which began on January 27, 2026, is designed to assess the readiness and capabilities of military units and formations. Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin stated that while it is a scheduled exercise for the preparation of the Armed Forces' trained reserve, for the units being tested, it takes the form of an 'unscheduled, surprise inspection'.

The inspection involves several key activities, including the calling up of reservists, the withdrawal of weapons, military, and special equipment from storage, and extensive combat coordination. Units are also preparing for deployment to concentration areas.

Parallel Presidential Inspection Emphasizes Surprise Element

Running concurrently with the Defense Ministry's planned activities is a separate, large-scale snap inspection ordered by President Alexander Lukashenko. This presidential inspection, which began on January 16, 2026, is personally monitored by Lukashenko and is designed to bypass the Defense Ministry and General Staff to ensure an objective assessment without prior notice. State Secretary of the Security Council Aleksandr Volfovich and Chairman of the State Control Committee Vasiliy Herasimau are involved in overseeing this particular check.

Lukashenko has emphasized the importance of understanding how the military would respond to an unexpected conflict, stating, 'I need to be sure that our soldiers are worth it'. This inspection is expected to continue until at least the end of February 2026.

Focus on Modern Combat Tactics and Threats

Both inspection initiatives place significant emphasis on adapting to contemporary warfare. Special attention is being paid to practicing security, camouflage, and countering modern threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and electronic warfare systems. Training scenarios include live-fire exercises with real ammunition, tactical actions in forested and marshy terrain, detecting and destroying simulated enemies, and searching for and capturing targets.

The Belarusian military is actively integrating experience from Russia's 'special military operation' into its training programs, focusing on tactics like forced marches in small groups and the effective use of drones. Units of the Western Operational Command, including the 6th Independent Guards Mechanized Brigade, have been activated for these exercises, preparing equipment and personnel for deployment to designated areas.

Official Statements and Rationale

Defense Minister Khrenin highlighted that new forms and methods of conducting defensive and offensive operations will be tested, with extensive use of drones and electronic warfare systems. He noted that the results of the inspection will be analyzed and incorporated into further training. Khrenin also clarified that the Defense Ministry's inspection and the presidential inspection are parallel but unrelated events. The ongoing readiness checks are framed within the context of Belarus's need to react to 'growing threats and militant rhetoric of its neighbors'.