Defense Ministry about exercise: The Belarusian army is ready to use special nuclear weapons

MINSK, 12 June (BelTA) – Belarus’ Armed Forces are ready to use special nuclear weapons, the press service of the Belarusian Defense Ministry told BelTA.

In accordance with the agreements reached by the Belarusian Defense Ministry and the Russian one, units of the Belarusian army have begun carrying out training missions as part of the second stage of the exercise involving non-strategic nuclear forces.

Chief of the General Staff, First Deputy Defense Minister, Major-General Pavel Muraveiko said: “All the organizational and technical aspects are being taken care of in smooth interaction with our Russian colleagues and together with them. Operational-tactical ballistic missile systems Iskander have been deployed in designated areas, have received special munitions, have attached the munitions to warheads, and have moved to launching sites where they stand ready to fire at designated targets. Our Air Force units have taken similar steps. Up to the last moment air flight commanders did not know who will get the right to carry out combat training missions and which airfield will be used. The relevant signal was transmitted virtually 30 minutes before the fulfillment of these tasks began. Our aviators carried out this step with dignity and honor. There is no doubt that it is too early to sum up results but as the chief of the General Staff I can say that the guys have done well. Professional actions were taken. All the steps were taken smoothly and without fuss within acceptable timeframes. I am satisfied with the work of our teams, our pilots, engineers, and technicians. Such exercises and the practicing of important steps regarding the use of non-strategic weapons represent one of the ways to improve our preparedness and our potential. We will sum up the results but I can already say with confidence that units of Belarus’ Armed Forces are ready to use special nuclear weapons.”