"Oreshnik" in Belarus: the complex went on combat duty

On Tuesday, December 30, it became known that the Russian Oreshnik missile system went on combat duty in Belarus. Military personnel are exploring new areas. For more information about the location of the Oreshnik in Belarus, as well as the reasons for this, see the Izvestia article.

"Oreshnik" in Belarus: what is known

On December 30, the Ministry of Defense of Belarus announced that a solemn ceremony had been held in the republic to put on combat duty a unit equipped with a mobile ground-based missile system "Oreshnik".

"After bringing the complex into readiness for its intended use and checking it by a joint integrated group, the Oreshnik missile division began performing combat duty tasks in designated areas on the territory of our country," the ministry said in a statement.

It is important to note that all the conditions for combat duty and residence of Russian military personnel in Belarus were created in advance.

The Russian Defense Ministry also confirmed the information: "The missile system went on combat duty in a timely manner, the personnel are coordinated, calculations are prepared, combat duty is organized and carried out in accordance with the governing documents."

"We are developing new combat patrol areas, and new areas are being explored. Scheduled classes are held at them in accordance with the tasks set. Combat training, tactical training, and special training tactics are conducted in a daily and weekly cycle. The personnel have already proved their professionalism in the course of routine training," the video published by the Russian Defense Ministry says.

They also reported that the specialists of the launch, communications, security and power supply combat crews, as well as the mechanics of the missile system units, were retrained with modern training equipment before going on combat duty.

The reasons for the placement of "Oreshnik" in Belarus

As previously stated by Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, the deployment of the Russian Oreshnik missile system on the territory of the republic was a response to the aggressive actions of Western opponents. He also noted that the country itself will determine the purpose of using weapons.

Belarus initially sought to obtain the Oreshnik missile system. The initiative came personally from Alexander Lukashenko, who considers this system as an important element of strengthening national security, military expert Viktor Litovkin reminded Izvestia.

— Minsk is a key military and political ally of Moscow, therefore, Russian Iskander-M tactical complexes and attack aircraft with the possibility of equipping nuclear warheads have already been deployed on the territory of the republic. All these measures were taken at the request of the Belarusian leadership in order to strengthen the protection of the sovereignty and independence of the country bordering NATO states, primarily Poland," he stressed.

According to the expert, the situation near the western borders of Belarus remains tense — provocative statements and military preparations are recorded almost daily. Against this background, the deployment of modern missile weapons looks like a logical step.

— The Oreshnik can carry not only nuclear, but also conventional warheads, which makes it a universal tool in case of conflict. The use of nuclear weapons is an extreme measure, and the ability to use high—precision conventional charges expands the range of possible responses," Viktor Litovkin believes.

The main advantage of the complex is its hypersonic speed and the ability to hit targets at a depth of up to 30 meters, including protected command posts. The flight range reaches 5.5 thousand kilometers, which makes it possible to control almost the entire territory of Europe, he noted.

The deployment of "Hazel Nuts" in Belarus increases the effectiveness of the defense system of the Union State. However, this does not mean that Russia will abandon the deployment of these missiles in its European part. In military planning today, not only potential is important, but also flexibility — and such a distribution of forces solves this problem, Viktor Litovkin summed up.

What is known about the "Hazel Tree"

The Ministry of Defense of Belarus indicated that the complex is capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 5,000 km, can be equipped with both conventional and special warheads, and can also launch from anywhere along the combat patrol route. The Ministry of Defense footage released today showed escort vehicles, staff and maintenance equipment, but the launcher itself remained out of the frame. According to military expert Dmitry Kornev, this is a precautionary measure — even one high-quality image can reveal technical features that are still preferred not to disclose.

— "Oreshnik" refers to medium—range missiles - from 800 to 5,000 km. At the same time, the rocket accelerates to a speed of Mach 10-11, which actually makes it hypersonic. It is capable of maneuvering throughout the flight, which significantly complicates the operation of missile defense systems. The missile is equipped with means of overcoming missile targets and electronic jamming systems. Combined with its high maneuverability, this almost eliminates the possibility of interception. The surface of the hull heats up to 4,000 degrees during movement, so that the rocket can fly in dense layers of the atmosphere, rather than following a ballistic trajectory through near space," he said.

Recall that on December 22, Alexander Lukashenko announced that a maximum of 10 complexes would be deployed in the country. He also added that such a volume is the maximum allowable and meets the needs of the defense.

— Probably, supplies will continue to the Russian territory. Presumably, the first calculations are already being trained at the Kapustin Yar training ground, where one division of the complex is located. Usually, a division includes at least three launchers, and up to nine in the regimental composition," Dmitry Kornev explained.

As the new units are deployed, it will become clear which structure the Ministry of Defense will choose for the further use of the Oreshnikov. According to the expert, in 2026 this step will cause a lively reaction in the West. The possible deployment of new complexes may be a reason to resume dialogue on the control and limitation of strategic weapons. Moscow and Minsk seem ready for discussion, demonstrating both determination and openness to negotiations.