Belarus ramps up missile launcher production amid tensions
The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, announced that his country has begun the production of 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 demonstrates a deepening military partnership between these two countries.
Lukashenko noted that while Belarus produces the launchers, the missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, will come from Russia. This decision raises questions about the strategic intentions of both countries in the context of tensions in Eastern Europe and the ongoing war in Ukraine, as pointed out by Bulgarian Military.
Russia and Belarus cooperate militarily
The service also reminds us that the first information about the plans to deploy the Oreshnik system in Belarus appeared in December 2024 when Lukashenko met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During this meeting, a security treaty within the framework of the Union State was signed, 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 capital city, Kyiv. Stationing missiles in this region would reduce flight time to potential targets, complicating defensive actions. For Belarus, producing launchers is also an opportunity for the development of the defence industry and strengthening its position in the alliance with Russia. However, as analysts note, this may also entail greater involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
Russian Oreshnik
The Russian medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik, one of the Kremlin's latest weapons, is an advanced 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, which corresponds to about 12,400 km/h (2 miles/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, making it a challenge for existing missile defence systems.
The range of the Oreshnik is approximately 5,000 kilometres, allowing it to hit targets at great distances. The missile is equipped with technology that allows carrying six to eight warheads, both conventional and nuclear.
