Counter-Drone Push: Lukashenko says Belarus may develop a “universal” anti-drone system, and links it to the new Academy of Intellectual Technologies. New Tech Education: The Academy will admit up to 150 students a year (10–15 per program) across natural sciences, engineering tech, and digital tech (AI and digital finance), with students assigned to companies and graduates tied to at least a five-year contract. Military Expansion: Belarus is expanding the 37th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade near Ukraine with a second maneuver battalion plus artillery, air defense, reconnaissance, and support units. Defense Sanctions: Ukraine sanctions Belarusian defense/tech firms Kidma Tech and TISA (Tissa), targeting missile-related and optical/defense supply roles. AI for Batteries: ELECTRA AI’s battery-intelligence platform is selected by India’s TapFin to add battery health and remaining-useful-life analytics for lenders and OEMs. Rail Modernization: Belarusian Railways plans 30 new passenger carriages and 100 freight wagons in 2026, with upgrades to signaling and communications and growing digital ticket use. Border Tech: Lithuania plans to buy tunnel-detection technology for its border after tests with Polish equipment.