Belarus ramps up missile cooperation amid regional tensions
The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, announced that his country has begun producing launchers for the Russian Oreshnik missile system. According to the BelTA agency, Belarus is now awaiting the delivery of the missiles themselves from Russia. As reported by Bulgarian Military, this development highlights a deepening military partnership between the two countries.
Lukashenko noted that while Belarus produces the launchers, the missiles, which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, will come from Russia. This decision raises questions about the strategic intentions of both countries amid tensions in Eastern Europe and the ongoing war in Ukraine, Bulgarian Military points out.
Russia and Belarus cooperate militarily
The service also recalls that the first information about plans to deploy the Oreshnik system in Belarus emerged in December 2024 when Lukashenko met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During this meeting, a security treaty was signed within the framework of the Union State, paving the way for current actions.
The deployment of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus could have significant strategic importance. Belarus borders Ukraine and is close to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Stationing missiles in this region would reduce flight time to potential targets, complicating defensive actions. For Belarus, producing launchers also represents an opportunity for the development of the defence industry and strengthening its position in the alliance with Russia. However, analysts note that this may also lead to greater involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
Russian Oreshnik
The Russian medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik, one of the Kremlin's latest weapons, is a state-of-the-art missile system that was first used in combat in November 2024 during an attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Oreshnik is an evolution of the earlier RS-26 Rubezh project, which was tested in 2011.
Russians claim that the missile reaches speeds of up to Mach 10, equivalent to roughly 12,350 km/h, or about 3,430 m/s. It can carry a warhead weighing up to 1,500 kg. It is also said to be difficult to intercept once it reaches maximum speed, posing a challenge for existing missile defence systems.
The range of the Oreshnik is approximately 5,000 km, allowing it to reach targets at great distances. The missile is equipped with technology that allows it to carry six to eight warheads, both conventional and nuclear.
