MINSK, 30 December (BelTA) - A ceremony was held to mark the Oreshnik missile system assuming combat duty in Belarus, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Defense Ministry.
According to the ministry, the Russian Oreshnik missile system was deployed to Belarus in line with a decision made by the leaders of Belarus and Russia.
“Before assuming combat duty, specialists in launch crews, communications, security, power supply, and also the driver-mechanics of the missile system’s vehicles underwent retraining on modern training aids. After the complex was brought to a state of readiness for its intended use and checked by a joint comprehensive group, the Oreshnik missile battalion began performing its combat duty tasks in designated areas on the territory of our country,” the Defense Ministry said.
“Before assuming combat duty, specialists in launch crews, communications, security, power supply, and also the driver-mechanics of the missile system’s vehicles underwent retraining on modern training aids. After the complex was brought to a state of readiness for its intended use and checked by a joint comprehensive group, the Oreshnik missile battalion began performing its combat duty tasks in designated areas on the territory of our country,” the Defense Ministry said.
According to the ministry, the complex is capable of hitting targets at ranges of up to 5,000 km, can be equipped with both conventional and special warheads, and can perform launches from any point along its combat patrol route.
At the second session of the 7th Belarusian People’s Congress on 19 December, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that the missile system is more than half Belarusian-made. Furthermore, at the 3rd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security on 28 October, the Belarusian president explained the reason for deploying the Oreshnik system in the country. “The deployment of this weapon in Belarus is nothing but a measure in response to the escalation of the situation in the region and to modern threats. Please, let’s step away from it and talks about Oreshnik will stop. But they don’t want to. We don’t threaten anyone. We only take care of our own security. Moreover, we are always open to a constructive dialogue and mutual steps to reduce tensions. If our partners in the West are ready for it, then neither we nor Russia will remain in your debt!” the head of state said then.
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