Belarusian aircraft ready to carry nukes – Russia’s defense minister

April 4, BPN. Several Belarusian attack aircraft “have acquired the ability to strike enemy targets with nuclear-equipped weapons,” said Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. 

Belarusian Armed Forces have also received the Iskander-M missile systems that can fire both conventional and nuclear missiles, he added.

Since April 3, the Belarusian crews of the Iskander-M missile system are undergoing practical training in Russia, focusing on the preparation of the missile system for use, training its deployment, and studying the maintenance and use of tactical nuclear missiles, the Belarusian defense ministry said.

The Russian-made Iskander operational-tactical missile system is designed to destroy air/missile defense capabilities, as well as critical infrastructure such as bridges, command posts or communication centers.

Belarusian army started full independent operation of the Iskander missile system on February 1.

On March 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the construction of a special storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus by July 1.