Russia and Belarus have staged joint nuclear weapons drills in Belarus, simulating missile launches in a show of strength amid growing tensions with neighbouring NATO member states. The three-day exercises involved Iskander-M tactical missiles being delivered to field locations, as the two repressive states flexed their military capabilities.
Simulated Launches and Warplane Exercises
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that personnel from a missile unit of Belarus performed training-combat tasks for receiving special warheads for the Iskander-M system, equipping carrier missiles, and covertly advancing to designated areas to prepare for launches. The Belarusian Defence Ministry added that after loading missiles onto launchers, transport vehicles moved covertly to a new area, where simulated missile launches were carried out at designated targets.
Footage released by the ministries showed the Iskander-M missiles mounted on launchers. Additionally, warplanes simulated bombings with nuclear munitions against mock targets before returning to base, while Russian forces practiced bringing nuclear combat units to the highest alert state.
Recent Interception of RAF Spy Plane
The drills came after two Russian warplanes dangerously intercepted an unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea last month, as revealed by the UK Ministry of Defence on Wednesday. A Russian Su-35 fighter approached the RAF Rivet Joint aircraft closely enough to trigger its emergency systems, while a Su-27 jet carried out six passes in front of it.
Moscow warned Britain against sending reconnaissance aircraft to the Black Sea for regular patrols in international airspace. The British plane was unarmed, but Russian aircraft were packed with missiles, according to Moscow sources. Kremlin propagandist Vladimir Solovyov urged Britain to halt such flights, questioning why British aircraft were operating near the Black Sea.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Training Facility
Russia views NATO spy plane flights as scoping targets for attacks by Ukraine. Kyiv revealed that in a clinical strike this week, 65 Russian special forces cadets were eliminated by its Unmanned Aerial Systems Forces. The cadets were training as drone operators in occupied Donetsk. The centre’s chief, call sign Buryi, from the Russian Academy of Rocket and Artillery Sciences, was also killed, according to Ukrainian sources. A total of 11 strike drones with a combat load of 100 kilograms hit the training facility.
