14:20 24-12-2025

Belarus, Russia Plan New Oreshnik Missile Division

Belarus may host a full regiment of Russian Oreshnik missile systems, as Minsk and Moscow discuss forming a new division to reinforce Union State deterrence.

Colonel Andrey Bogodel, deputy head of the General Staff faculty at the Military Academy of Belarus, said that Minsk and Moscow may form a division equipped with Oreshnik missile systems. He noted on the Belarus-1 TV channel that, in his view, a new division made up of the latest Oreshnik launchers is likely to operate within the framework of the Union’s military cooperation.

Bogodel added that Belarus has already moved from plans to practical deployment of these systems. At this stage, the first Oreshnik battalion, which includes three launchers, has effectively gone on combat duty. He specified that, going forward, a full regiment is to be stationed in the country-around ten launchers with the necessary support vehicles.

Commentators point out that a new division built around the Oreshnik system could significantly strengthen the security of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. This step is presented as a response to regional challenges and a way to maintain the balance of power.

Earlier, Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin described the deployment of the Russian Oreshnik missile system in the republic as a reaction to what he called aggressive actions by the West toward Minsk. He stressed that deliveries of these systems do not alter the overall balance of forces in Europe, since the missile complex is intended for strategic deterrence.