Russia and Belarus carried out a large-scale joint nuclear drill involving the launch of ballistic and hypersonic missiles in May 2024 [1].
The exercises serve as a demonstration of joint combat capabilities and a test of the readiness to deploy Russian nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory [3, 4].
According to the Russian and Belarusian defense ministries, the drills involved more than 64,000 personnel [1]. The scope of the operation included hundreds of missile launchers, aircraft, ships, and submarines [1].
As part of the maneuvers, an Iskander-M ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of Russia [1, 2]. Additionally, a Zircon hypersonic missile was fired from the Barents Sea [1, 2]. These launches were integrated into a broader set of exercises that spanned land, sea, and air components across both nations [2].
The Russian Defence Ministry said the drills were intended to verify the ability to use strategic nuclear forces in a coordinated manner. The Belarus Defence Ministry said the exercises focused on the joint use of nuclear weapons to deter potential aggression.
These maneuvers follow previous confirmations that Russia has delivered nuclear weapons to Belarus [2]. The joint drills emphasize the integration of the two militaries and the operationalization of nuclear deterrents within the region [3].
“The drills were intended to test readiness to deploy and use Russian nuclear weapons.”
The deployment of nuclear-capable missiles and the scale of personnel involved indicate a deepening military integration between Moscow and Minsk. By conducting these drills in May 2024, Russia is signaling a strategic shift in its deterrent posture, effectively extending its nuclear umbrella over Belarus to create a more complex security perimeter in Eastern Europe.
