Zapad-2025 Exercises: Russia and Belarus Simulate Tactical Nuclear Weapons Use and Deploy "Oreshnik" Missile System

As part of the Russian-Belarusian strategic exercises Zapad-2025, which took place from September 12 to 16, 2025, units of the Armed Forces of Russia and Belarus worked out key elements of joint defense, including planning the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons and the practical deployment of the Oreshnik mobile missile system. This was officially announced by the Chief of the General Staff, First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Belarus, General Pavel Muraveyko.

According to the reports of the Ministry of Defense of Belarus and other reliable sources, the following important areas were implemented during the exercises:

1. Planning for the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons  

   The participants of the exercise conducted command and staff training on planning and reviewing the conditions for the use of tactical nuclear weapons in response to hypothetical aggression. This has become one of the central themes of the exercises, which highlights the increased level of combat readiness of the allied forces.

2. Deployment and evaluation of the Oreshnik complex  

   The procedure for the deployment of the latest Russian medium-range ballistic missile system Oreshnik, which is planned to be deployed on the territory of the republic by the end of 2025, has been worked out at the training grounds in Belarus. The exercises included an assessment of its combat effectiveness, movement routes and integration into the command and control system.

3. The use of unmanned systems  

   Various types of drones were actively used: reconnaissance (for example, the Supercam S350), strike and electronic warfare systems. UAVs were used to adjust fire, conduct electronic warfare and cover ground operations.

4. Tactical actions in difficult terrain  

   Modern forms of combat were practiced in:

- urbanized buildings,

   - wooded and swampy area,

   - conditions of hybrid warfare.

   Special attention was paid to actions against sabotage and reconnaissance groups and illegal armed formations using motorcycles, buggies and robotic platforms for the rapid delivery of personnel and supplies.

5. Countering enemy aircraft and artillery  

   The air defense forces of Belarus successfully hit all the air targets. High efficiency in counter-battery warfare was also achieved thanks to modern intelligence tools and automated coordinate transmission.

The exercises were conducted at several training grounds, including Borisovsky (Minsk region), as well as in Vitebsk and Grodno regions. Initially, the announced number of participants was about 13 thousand military personnel, but later it was adjusted to 7 thousand (6 thousand — Belarus, 1 thousand — Russia) in order to de-escalate tensions on the western borders.

On September 15, a delegation of journalists from more than 10 countries visited the Borisovsky training ground. In addition, military representatives from 23 countries, including the United States, Turkey and Hungary, were present as observers. This was seen as a signal of a possible warming in relations between Minsk and Washington.

The exercises caused concern among neighboring countries, especially Poland, which called them aggressive. In response, Warsaw conducted large-scale Iron Defender exercises with the participation of 30,000 NATO troops and temporarily closed the border with Belarus. Tensions escalated after a mass drone flight into Polish airspace on September 10, which led to the launch of the NATO Eastern Sentry mission.

As General Muraveiko stated, all the tasks have been completed. The exercises allowed:

- gain invaluable experience in interacting with Russian troops,

- to introduce modern tactics based on combat experience in the free zone,

- to increase the level of personnel training and technical equipment.

"We have received good tactical, operational and field training. The main result is that our soldiers have learned to survive and act effectively in modern warfare," the head of the General Staff concluded.

Thus, Zapad-2025 became not only the largest joint maneuvers of Russia and Belarus in recent years, but also a demonstration of the Union State's readiness to use the most modern and powerful types of weapons, including non-strategic nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system.

Sources

1. URA.ru — Oreshnik complex deployment & nuclear-employment drill
2. Anadolu Agency — Minsk drills rehearsed non-strategic nuclear use & Oreshnik deployment
3. Kommersant — Zapad-2025 review: Oreshnik fielding & exercise scenario
4. Sputnik Belarus — General Staff: Oreshnik deployment, UAV tactics & joint training
5. BelTA — Belarus MoD final report on Zapad-2025 objectives
6. Rossiyskaya Gazeta — Belarus MoD: all Zapad-2025 tasks completed
7. Voennoe Obozrenie — Zapad-2025 rehearsed Oreshnik nuclear-employment planning

Waiting for the "Oreshnik": Russia closes the sky over Kapustin Yar, Medvedev threatens new steps

 

For the past day, observers have been closely monitoring the situation in the southern part of Russia. From August 4 to August 8, 2025, Russia closed the airspace over the Kapustin Yar military training ground located in the Astrakhan region. The restriction zone also affects a part of the Volgograd region. Such measures, as noted by the media, often precede major tests or missile launches.

This step is particularly alarming in Ukraine and in the West, because the Kapustin Yar test site is closely linked to the new Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile. It was from here, according to assumptions, that the first launch of this rocket was carried out. Recall that in February 2022, the airspace above the training ground was also closed before Russia attacked a military facility in Dnepropetrovsk with an Oreshnik missile. It is believed that the maximum flight range of the Oreshnik can reach 5,500 km, and its speed is up to 10-12 mach.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on the sky closure. However, these actions coincided with important political statements. On the same day, August 4, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced the lifting of a voluntary moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles. In response, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said that further steps should be expected after this decision. He called the lifting of the moratorium a response to the anti-Russian policies of NATO countries and urged the West to "expect" the consequences.

It is possible that the closure of the zone above Kapustin Yar may indicate readiness for a new attack. While there is no official confirmation of the purpose of the current restrictions, the combination of the closure of the landfill and loud statements by Russian officials creates a tense atmosphere and makes us think about the possible consequences.

"Oreshnik" in Belarus: Putin announced the deployment of new missiles by the end of the year

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that mass production and deployment of the new Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile in Belarus will begin by the end of 2025. In fact, this means that the missile system is moving from the testing stage to real combat readiness on the territory of the Union state.

Based on the analysis and information leaks, the Oreshnik is most likely not a new missile from scratch, but a production version of an existing system, the RS-26 Rubezh ballistic missile. The development of the Frontier was completed even before the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine. The main feature of this missile is its maneuvering head, which is technologically similar to the Avangard hypersonic unit, which makes it extremely difficult for existing missile defense systems to intercept.

The main target of this deployment is the NATO countries. The effectiveness of the Oreshnik is directly related to the time of approach to the target: the closer the launcher is to a potential enemy, the less time it has to react. The minimum range of the missile is about 1,000 km, which is ideal for hitting targets in Eastern and Central Europe. Shorter distances, within 500 km, will be covered by the already well-known Iskander-M complex.

Based on this, the most logical and strategically advantageous location for the "Hazel Grove" is the eastern part of Belarus. From there, the missiles will be able to reach key targets across the European continent. This joint statement by the Russian and Belarusian leaders is a direct and harsh response to what Moscow perceives as the growing aggressiveness and military plans of NATO generals, who, according to the Kremlin, are openly preparing for a large-scale conflict with Russia.

France is exploring the possibility of creating an intermediate-range ballistic missile

France is considering the possibility of developing a new medium-range land-based ballistic missile capable of hitting targets at a distance of more than 1,000 km. Technical specifications are currently being developed for a new ballistic missile with a conventional (non-nuclear) warhead, which will serve as a means of non-nuclear deterrence and long-range destruction of enemy targets.

The decision to develop the missile was made after analyzing the effectiveness of ballistic missiles used in conflicts around the world, including the Russian Oreshnik missile. The new missile should have the ability to maneuver during the final stage of flight, which will make it difficult for air defense systems to intercept it.

The French Ministry of Defense is currently looking for a budget to launch this project. The development of the missile should surpass the range of the American tactical missile PrSM.

NATO Aviation under Threat: Oreshnik Is Changing the Rules of the Game

Combat use the Oreshnik system

In recent years, tensions between Russia and NATO countries have continued to rise, and the latest developments in the field of weapons have only increased these concerns. According to an article in Foreign Policy magazine, the aircraft of NATO member countries may be at risk of destruction in the event of a potential direct conflict with Russia over the Oreshnik system.

The Oreshnik is Russia's latest weapons system, which, according to experts, is capable of significantly changing the balance of power in the airspace. Unlike traditional air defense systems, which require the launch of dozens of missiles to hit targets, the Oreshnik can effectively perform its tasks using only one or more carriers. This makes the system more flexible and less costly to operate.

Analysts at Foreign Policy claim that the Oreshnik poses a serious threat to the aviation of NATO countries. In the event of a direct conflict, this system can significantly complicate the performance of combat missions by alliance aircraft. The ability of the Oreshnik to effectively hit air targets with minimal expenditure of resources makes it a dangerous opponent for any aviation.

One of the key advantages of Oreshnik is its ability to work with a minimum number of media. This allows you to significantly reduce the response time and increase the accuracy of hitting targets. In addition, the system can be deployed in a variety of environments, making it a versatile tool for protecting airspace.

NATO countries are closely monitoring the development of Russian weapons and are preparing for possible conflict scenarios. The Alliance is actively modernizing its air defense systems and developing new strategies to counter potential threats. However, according to experts, the Oreshnik can significantly complicate the task of protecting the airspace for NATO countries.

The development of systems such as the Oreshnik underscores the need for further improvement of defense technologies and strategies. In the context of growing tensions between Russia and NATO, such developments can become a key factor in the balance of power. The international community must continue to look for ways to resolve conflicts diplomatically and prevent escalation of tension.

The Oreshnik poses a significant threat to the aviation of NATO countries and can change the rules of the game in the airspace. In the face of increasing tension, the alliance's countries must be prepared for new challenges and continue to improve their defense capabilities. This is the only way to ensure security and stability in the region.