Military expert: nuclear weapon drills aim to ensure Union State sovereignty and integrity

The deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons (TNW) in Belarus is a deterrent factor for our likely opponents, so it’s necessary not only to have, but also to be able to use it – as noted by military analyst Igor Chibisov

Belarusian pilots have been trained on SU-25 aircraft and rocket scientists at Iskander complexes in Russia. During the second stage of the exercises involving TNW, the readiness of the Armed Forces to use non-strategic nuclear weapons was inspected. Our Armed Forces are ready to use these weapons. Thus, all organisational and technical aspects are being worked out in close co-operation with our Russian colleagues and together with them. The Iskander tactical complexes moved to the designated positioning areas, received special ammunition, installed them on combat units and took up starting positions, taking up combat duty at assigned targets. Belarusian aviation performed a similar manoeuvre.

The purpose of these manoeuvres is to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Union State. Our people understand that the Belarusian leadership uses all forces and means to protect Belarus’ sovereignty and independence. Our opponents must be aware that in case of aggression, we have something to stop them, causing unacceptable damage.

Meanwhile, NATO members are currently discussing the issue of putting nuclear weapons on alert, as NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg said recently. According to him, the bloc must demonstrate its nuclear arsenal to the whole world in order to send a ‘direct message to its foes.