MINSK, November 6. /TASS/. The Belarusian army is undergoing structural reforms to prevent a hybrid war against the country from escalating into a "hot" war, Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said.

"Our president has repeatedly mentioned that a hybrid war has been waged against our country for a long time, and, unfortunately, it will only intensify. To prevent the escalation of this war into a ‘hot’ phase, we are focusing our efforts within the armed forces on structural reforms, strengthening our combat potential and operational capabilities, and equipping the military with modern hardware and specialized technology," the Defense Ministry’s press service quoted the minister as saying.

Khrenin noted that the experience gained during [Russia’s] "special military operation" [in Ukraine] reveals significant shifts in the forms and methods of conducting warfare. "We see the vital role that automated command and control systems play today. Unmanned aerial vehicles and robotic systems now account for a major share of firepower. It is no coincidence that we have designated next training year in the armed forces as the year of improving the counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems," he emphasized.

Earlier on Friday, Khrenin took part in the opening of a renovated training center at the Military Academy of Belarus. The facility has been thoroughly modernized, with existing infrastructure improved and entirely new assets added, including a water drome, a course for piloting FPV drones, and several other specialized facilities. The training center also encompasses multiple tactical training fields and live-fire ranges. The established facility will allow for training both in small groups and units, as well as the practice of traditional military training techniques. The center’s capabilities will provide for the training of personnel from various branches of the armed forces, including motorized infantry, tank crews, and artillery, covering virtually all military specialties.