Russian ally Belarus recently conducted simulated nuclear missile launches amid escalating tensions with neighboring NATO countries. During a three-day exercise alongside Russian forces, Iskander-M tactical missiles were deployed to field locations as a display of power by the authoritarian regimes. Belarus shares borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.
According to the Russian Defence Ministry, personnel from the missile unit of Belarus are currently engaged in training exercises involving special warheads for the Iskander-M missile complex. The drills include equipping the carrier missiles and discreetly advancing to designated areas for launch preparations.
The Belarusian Defence Ministry reported that after loading the missiles onto launchers, transport and loading vehicles covertly relocated to new positions. Subsequently, the missile unit executed simulated missile launches at specified targets. Footage revealed the Iskander-M missiles on launchers, while warplanes mimicked nuclear bombings against mock targets before returning to base. Russian forces practiced elevating nuclear combat units to the highest alert level.
These activities followed an incident where two Russian warplanes intercepted an unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea last month. The UK Ministry of Defence disclosed that a Russian Su-35 fighter approached the RAF Rivet Joint aircraft, triggering its emergency systems, while a Su-27 jet performed multiple passes in front of it. Moscow cautioned Britain against regular patrols of reconnaissance aircraft in the Black Sea airspace, emphasizing that the British plane was unarmed, unlike the Russian aircraft equipped with missiles.
Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent figure on Russian state-controlled TV, urged Britain to cease Black Sea flights, referencing the interception incident. Moscow perceives NATO spy planes’ flights as reconnaissance for potential attacks by Ukraine. Recent reports from Kyiv indicated that 65 Russian special forces cadets were “eliminated” in a strike conducted by Ukrainian Unmanned Aerial Systems Forces during a training session in occupied Donetsk. The chief call sign “Buryi” from the Russian Academy of Rocket and Artillery Sciences was among the casualties.
The strike involved 11 drones armed with a total payload of 100 kilograms targeting the training facility. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions and military activities in the region.
