Belarus' Defense Minister, Viktor Khrenin, confirmed today that plans for utilizing Oreshnik ballistic missiles will be developed with Russia during the upcoming Zapad military exercises. "Of course, together with our Russian colleagues, we will develop plans for the use of this type of weapon," he stated.

Khrenin emphasized the missiles' significance as a strategic deterrent, stating Belarus must be prepared for any situation as directed by its leadership. "We see the situation on our western and northern borders, and we cannot be indifferent to the ongoing military activities and militarization. We demonstrate our openness and peaceful nature, but we must always be ready to fight," he said.

Belarus' Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin at an event outside Moscow, Russia in 2023. Photo: AFP

Belarus' Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin at an event outside Moscow, Russia in 2023. Photo: AFP

The Zapad exercises, typically involving tens of thousands of troops, are seen as a show of force near Belarus's western border with European Union and NATO member states. Zapad-2025 is scheduled for 12/9-16/9 in Belarus.

Russian media reports indicate approximately 13,000 troops will participate, although the exact number remains undisclosed. Around 200,000 troops participated in Zapad-2021.

This year's exercise will focus on deploying forces to ensure the military security of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. Military personnel from both countries will also practice repelling air attacks and combating enemy sabotage groups, among other activities.

A key ally of Russia, Belarus allowed Moscow to use its territory for the attack on Ukraine in 2/2022. On 25/3/2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus at Minsk's request.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed on 25/4/2024 that dozens of nuclear warheads had been deployed in the country. While stating that "no one wants to use nuclear weapons," Lukashenko warned Belarus would use "all the weapons at its disposal" in response to any attack. He also suggested that Russia's deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus has prompted "the US and other Western countries to change their tone".

Russia first used the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile in an attack on Dnipro, central Ukraine, on 21/11/2024. This was in response to Ukraine's use of Western-supplied ATACMS and Storm Shadow long-range missiles targeting deep within Russian territory.

Russian officials claim the Oreshnik reaches speeds of over 10 times the speed of sound, equivalent to almost 11,000 km/h. In addition to its high speed, the missile utilizes Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, allowing each missile to carry up to 36 warheads.

President Putin asserts that no Western air defense system can intercept the Oreshnik. Russia plans to deploy the Oreshnik missiles in Belarus by the end of this year.

Huyen Le (AFP, TASS)