Russia and Belarus have launched joint exercises of tactical nuclear forces

The militaries of Russia and Belarus are conducting a new stage of tactical nuclear forces exercises.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian and Belarusian military should work out joint preparations for the combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons.

The Russian Federation claims that the purpose of the exercises is to maintain the readiness of personnel and equipment in case of the use of tactical nuclear weapons “in order to unconditionally ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Union State.”

During the exercise’s first stage, which started on May 21, the Russian military practiced the use of Iskander systems and their covert movement to the area of missile launches.

Belarus announced a sudden inspection of tactical nuclear weapons carriers with Iskander systems on May 7.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the first stage of exercises of non-strategic nuclear forces on May 6.

At the time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed that the drills were provoked by recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, and U.S. officials.

Non-strategic (tactical) nuclear weapons are nuclear warheads delivered by missiles with a shorter range than strategic intercontinental missiles.

Tactical nuclear weapons can be used by Iskander missile systems. These weapons have recently been deployed in Belarus.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western countries have expressed concerns about Russia’s possible use of tactical nuclear weapons, particularly in the event of setbacks on the frontline.

Russian military doctrine provides for the possibility of using nuclear forces first in the event of a “threat to the very existence of the state.”

In late August, Militarnyi reported that Belarus received nuclear warheads from Russia. Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defence Intelligence, officially confirmed this information. The new Belarusian military doctrine will include the use of tactical nuclear weapons.