Belarus ramps up missile collaboration with Russia amid 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 from Russia. As reported by Bulgarian Military, this development signifies a deepening military partnership between the two countries.
Lukashenko noted that while Belarus is responsible for producing the launchers, the missiles themselves, which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, will come from Russia. This decision raises questions about the strategic intentions of both nations amid the tensions in Eastern Europe and the ongoing war in Ukraine, as highlighted by Bulgarian Military.
Russia and Belarus cooperate militarily
The report also reminds us that the first information about plans to deploy the Oreshnik system in Belarus surfaced 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 the current actions.
Deploying Oreshnik missiles in Belarus could have significant strategic implications. 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 also presents an opportunity to develop its defense industry and strengthen its alliance with Russia. However, analysts caution 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 an advanced missile system 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.
Russian claims suggest the missile reaches speeds of up to Mach 10, equivalent to about 7,700 mph (2 mi/s). It can carry a warhead weighing up to 3,300 pounds. Once it reaches maximum speed, it is said to be difficult to intercept, posing a challenge for existing missile defense systems.
The range of the Oreshnik is approximately 3,100 miles, allowing it to reach targets at great distances. The missile is equipped with technology that enables it to carry six to eight warheads, either conventional or nuclear.
