Russia and Belarus begin 3-day nuclear tactical drills

Russia and Belarus have commenced a large-scale, three-day joint military exercise focused on the readiness and potential deployment of tactical nuclear weapons. The drills, which began on Tuesday, involve tens of thousands of personnel and a wide array of military hardware across multiple regions.

According to official statements from the Russian and Belarusian defense ministries, the maneuvers involve approximately 64,000 military personnel, over 7,800 pieces of equipment, around 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 73 warships, and 13 submarines. All three components of Russia’s nuclear triad—land, sea, and air—are participating. A key element includes rehearsing launch procedures for tactical nuclear weapons based in Belarus, reflecting a nuclear-sharing arrangement established between the two countries in 2023.

Footage released by the Russian Defense Ministry showed military convoys escorted by attack helicopters moving through forested areas. The footage depicted troops delivering what were described as nuclear warheads to mobile Iskander-M missile launchers, camouflaging the vehicles, and preparing the systems for simulated launches. The Iskander-M system can carry both...