From April 3 of this year, Belarus will begin training its air force crews under the system run by Russia, specifically within the branch named the Air Force and Air Defense Forces. Ten carrier aircraft belonging to Alexander Lukashenko’s military aviation have already been prepared to operate tactical nuclear weapons, a development announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 25.
It is important to note that Russia has not transferred tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. Some observers in Belarus claimed the weapons had already caused a nuclear stir over Warsaw and Vilnius, but the reality is that these warheads are positioned on Belarusian soil and not handed over to a Belarusian operator. The use of the special ammunition will follow the plan set forth by Vladimir Putin, the Supreme Commander of the Russian Armed Forces. The decision to unlock and employ nuclear warheads would come only from the Russian president if the situation demanded it.
The expectation is that a missile brigade stationed in Belarus, linked to one aviation regiment, will be equipped with the special warheads, Iskander-M operational-tactical systems, and nuclear-weapon-capable carrier aircraft. There is also a possibility that aviators could receive free-falling nuclear aerial bombs of varying TNT equivalents.
Logical analysis suggests two dedicated storage facilities for tactical nuclear weapons will be established, or more precisely, specialized storage sites. One facility could be placed within the area of the Iskander-M missile defense position to store combat-ready missiles with deployed nuclear warheads. The second would likely be situated near the air base where the carrier aircraft operate. This proximity would support rapid mobilization and potential combat use of the weapons.
A storage facility for nuclear warheads must be a secure, capital-grade structure capable of maintaining strict temperature and humidity controls.
Security measures for these facilities are stringent. A dedicated armed unit will guard the site, and access will be restricted to a narrow circle of approved personnel. Additional safeguards may include multiple layers of fencing, barriers, surveillance sox, and motion sensors. The site description emphasizes that access is tightly controlled by relevant authorities.
Given that these special facilities will be near active military operations, it is plausible that extra protective measures will be implemented. Long-term firing positions may be supported by tanks, and approaches to the structures could be mined to deter threats.
If nuclear weapons are deployed on Belarusian territory, the weapons would need to be transported to and from specialized repair and maintenance bases. This involves the broader logistical framework used for nuclear weapons, including maintenance and deployment operations. The system falls under the 12th Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense in organizational terms.
Overall, the potential deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus would require extensive organizational work and significant engineering reinforcement across multiple facilities.
A critical concern in this scenario is the risk of theft or loss of special ammunition by third parties. To prevent any such eventuality, the Belarusian authorities must ensure that no emergency arises during the historically foreseeable period with special ammunition on Belarusian soil. Without robust safeguards, unpredictable developments could lead to serious consequences.
A historical reference helps illuminate the issue. In the late 1980s, political turmoil in Soviet Transcaucasia raised fears about nuclear warheads. Authorities, including the 12th Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, acted decisively to remove all nuclear weapons from the region, evacuating aircraft, helicopters, and vehicles to prevent any seizure by extremists. This episode underscored the importance of proactive management and swift action in safeguarding nuclear materials.
Observers note that this experience should inform current discussions about tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory. The views expressed here reflect the author’s assessment and may differ from editorial positions.