Russia to provide Belarus with nuclear-capable missiles

Iskander-M missiles have a range of up to 500 kilometers and can deliver nuclear warheads. (Global Look Press/Picture Alliance)

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarus will get nuclear-capable Iskander-M missile systems in the following months.

"In the coming months, we will transfer to Belarus Iskander-M tactical missile systems, which can use ballistic or cruise missiles, in their conventional and nuclear versions," Putin said in a television broadcast before he met with Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko in Saint Petersburg.

Putin stated that the defense ministers of both countries would discuss the transfer's logistics and specifics.

Russia proposes a Belarusian Su-25 nuclear upgrade.
Putin added that Russia would assist Belarus in modernizing its fleet of Su-25 fighter jets so that they could carry nuclear weapons.

After Lukashenko instructed him to "This modernization should be carried out in aircraft factories in Russia and the training of personnel should start in accordance with this," the planes, he added, "adapt."

Belarus has played a crucial role in the battle between Russia and Ukraine. The country acted as a staging area for the February 24 Russian invasion.

Saturday, Ukraine said that Russian troops in Belarus fired dozens of missiles against the Ukrainian cities of Zhytomyr and Chernihiv.

What is Iskander-M?
The Iskander-M is a mobile guided missile system that superseded the Soviet "SS-26 Stone" and was given the NATO codename "Scud."

Its two guided missiles can carry conventional or nuclear bombs and range up to 500 kilometers (300 miles).

Since his country initiated a military campaign in Ukraine on February 24, Putin has often mentioned nuclear weapons, which the West interprets as a threat not to intervene.

Last month, Lukashenko said that his country had acquired Russia's nuclear-capable Iskander and S-400 anti-aircraft anti-missile systems.

Publish : 2022-06-26 09:12:00

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