In 2023, the Belarusian army received 13 new models of weapons, military and special equipment - this is the maximum for the years of existence of the domestic arms industry. In general, the year 2023 was in many ways significant for the defense sector of the country. In May, by order of the Minister of Defense, the T 72 BM2 tank, modernized at the 140th Repair Plant, was put into service. But the real takeoff for the industry occurred in July, when Belarus and Russia signed an interdepartmental program on cooperation in the field of aircraft construction. This was the first step of Belarus' entry into the club of world aircraft-building powers.
Dmitry Stefanovich, Head of the Industry Planning Department of the State Military Industrial Planning Committee of Belarus:
"The project is called Osvey. It is a new airplane, the development is starting from scratch. The production of the aircraft will be organized both in the Russian Federation and in the Republic of Belarus. The full cycle of production will be organized at the enterprises of the Republic of Belarus, so we are starting the development jointly. The development will be carried out at the enterprises of the State Military-Industrial Committee and enterprises of the Russian Federation, after which the production will be organized. The necessary equipment is being purchased and the relevant shops are being erected. The full cycle of aircraft manufacturing will be organized in the Republic of Belarus.
Also in 2023, the final firing of the new Sapphire grenade launcher, which has a unique capability, was successfully completed.
