Belarus Aiding Russia’s War Effort: Massive Production of Rocket Artillery Ammunition for "Grad" Systems

An investigation by BelPol, an organization of former Belarusian security officials opposed to Alexander Lukashenko’s pro-Russian regime, has uncovered Belarus's significant role in supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The report reveals a vast production network in Belarus manufacturing critical components and ammunition for the BM-21 "Grad" multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).

Key Findings:

1. Production Scale:
   Belarusian state and private enterprises, along with the State Military-Industrial Committee (Goskomvoenprom), have committed to producing 155,000 122mm rocket shells for the BM-21 "Grad" system. This quantity is enough to devastate up to 13 district centers.
2. Localized Manufacturing:
   Efforts to localize the production of 122mm rockets in Belarus have involved at least 16 enterprises under the Ministry of Industry and Goskomvoenprom. The Minsk Precision Electromechanical Plant played a leading role, conducting research to optimize rocket assembly under the classified project “Assembler.”
3. International Contracts:
   In March 2023, the Minsk Precision Electromechanical Plant signed a contract with Russia’s Splav Research and Production Association to supply over 184,000 structural components for rocket shells. Starting in September 2023, Belarus committed to sending 13,000 sets of rocket components to Russia monthly, while receiving 1,000 fully assembled rockets in return.
4. Component Supply Chain:
   Major Belarusian factories involved include:
   • Zhlobin’s Belarusian Steel Works (BMZ)
   • Zhodino’s BAZtube
   • Orsha’s Legmash
   • Minsk Precision Electromechanical Plant
   
   These facilities supply key components such as tubular blanks, tail sections, and structural parts for rocket production. For instance, BAZtube has supplied tens of thousands of tube blanks to Russia's "Stamp" plant, with contracts extending into 2024.
5. Collaboration with Russian Entities:
   The partnership between Belarusian and Russian companies has streamlined the production process. Components are sent to Russian factories, such as Splav, where they are assembled into complete rockets.
6. Military Agreements:
   The production ramp-up coincided with a December 2022 visit by then-Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu to Belarus. Shoigu and Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin signed an amended agreement on joint regional security, followed by high-level meetings between officials from both countries to discuss the supply of ammunition components.

Implications for the Conflict:

Belarus’s role in producing and supplying critical ammunition for Russian MLRS systems underscores its deepening involvement in the war against Ukraine. By providing materials that enhance Russia’s artillery capabilities, Belarus has positioned itself as a crucial logistical and manufacturing partner for Moscow.

Production Impact:

Based on BelPol’s findings, Belarusian factories will deliver more than 4.5 million components for rocket shells, enough to produce thousands of rockets capable of widespread destruction.

International Concerns:

The revelations raise questions about Belarus's role in prolonging the conflict and its accountability for aiding Russian military operations. Western governments may view this as further justification for sanctions targeting Belarusian industries and officials involved in the production and supply of war materials.

This report highlights the extensive military-industrial cooperation between Belarus and Russia, further entrenching Minsk’s complicity in Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine.