Belarus is evaluating how to increase missile production and is looking at ways to equip its Polonez missile launchers with nuclear warheads, Reuters reports.
Belarus, a close Russian ally, has said it will strengthen bilateral cooperation with Iran and will also cooperate with China in weapons development. Currently, Belarusians do not have nuclear weapons, but Russian tactical nuclear weapons are deployed on the country’s territory, which are controlled by Moscow.
Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power in Belarus since 1994, told officials at a meeting on arms production on the 21st of August that the missile industry needs to be modernized and developed. He is reported to have said that, given the growing military threats and the increasing military spending and armaments of its western neighbors,
Belarus should pay special attention to strengthening its defense capabilities.
Belarus shares borders with Poland, Latvia and Lithuania, all of which are NATO members.
The head of the Belarusian State Security Council, Alexander Volfovich, told reporters that there are plans to equip the Polonez missile system with nuclear warheads. The Polonez systems have been in service since 2016 and were developed jointly with China. After upgrading, they can reach targets at a distance of 300 kilometers. Volfovich added that issues of military capabilities and defense are very important.
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