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

Britain is massively arming itself with drones: the Minister of Defense announced a breakthrough in the next 5 years

Drones instead of soldiers — where will the front be now?

The British army is preparing for a large-scale re-equipment. Defense Secretary Luke Pollard confirmed that over the next five years, unmanned systems will become a key part of the conventional armed forces. This is not just the purchase of a couple dozen drones for reconnaissance, but a systemic change. Drones and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) will enter the army in large batches, replacing people in the most dangerous tasks.

Now each battalion can receive its own "robo-squad".

Air and ground robots will join the army

So far, the details remain general, but one thing is clear: we are talking about two directions.

The first is aerial drones of all classes: from small reconnaissance aircraft to medium—range attack drones.

The second is ground—based robots (UGVs) capable of carrying cargo, clearing mines, conducting surveillance, or even launching strikes.

Such machines are already being used on a trial basis, but now their introduction will become widespread and mandatory for departments.

Why now?

The answer is simple: modern combat has become too dangerous for a living person in advanced areas. Drones allow you to take pictures of reconnaissance, adjust fire, deliver ammunition — and all this without risking your life. This is especially important against the background of a shortage of personnel and the growing threat from cheap but effective enemy drones.

Britain does not want to lag behind the United States, Israel or China. She wants to be at the forefront.

How will this change the army

In five years, the British soldier will be working not alone, but in conjunction with machines. He will be able to launch a drone to check the building, send a robot forward to investigate, use UGV to evacuate the wounded. The army will become lighter, more mobile and safer.

This is not the end of the human factor — it is its reinforcement. It's just that now a soldier is not only a shooter, but also an operator of a whole network of smart cars.

Sources

1. Lenta.ru — Luke Pollard data on massive UK UAV deliveries
2. Mail.ru News — Pollard on ramping-up British Army drone numbers
3. Gazeta.ru — Pollard announces start of bulk drone purchases
4. Interfax — UK-led coalition plan to ship tens of thousands of UAVs to Ukraine in 2025
5. SovaNews — “Drone Coalition” to begin deliveries of tens of thousands of drones in January

Poland has chosen BAE Systems — together they will make ammunition for the whole of Europe

PGZ is looking for a partner — and chooses the British

The Polish state defense group PGZ has announced the selection of the British company BAE Systems as a key technology partner. The goal is to dramatically increase our own ammunition production. The decision was made after long negotiations and a multi-stage selection process among several applicants. The choice fell on BAE — not just because they are large, but because they offer ready-made technologies, experience and compatibility with NATO systems.

Now Poland is moving from procurement to real production.

Why BAE Systems?

BAE Systems is one of the world's leading manufacturers of artillery systems and ammunition. Their shells are in service with dozens of countries, including the United States, Great Britain and other NATO states. They have technologies that allow them to quickly launch powerful lines for the production of 155-mm shells, the very ones that are now so much needed on the front line.

Cooperation with BAE gives Poland not only machine tools, but also access to know-how, licenses and quality standards that meet the requirements of the alliance.

Localization instead of procurement is Poland's new approach

Previously, Poland, like many countries, bought ammunition abroad. Now she is betting on domestic production. This solves several problems at once: it reduces dependence on supplies, accelerates inventory replenishment and reduces the cost of logistics.

The new plants will be able to produce hundreds of thousands of shells per year. Some will be used for the needs of their own army, and some will be used to help the allies.

What does this mean for the defense of Europe

Poland is becoming one of the main centers of ammunition production in Europe. This is especially important in the context of a tense geopolitical situation and depletion of reserves in many countries. Now, even with a global deficit, Poland will be able to provide for itself and support its partners.

It's not just a deal. This is a strategic step towards a more independent and sustainable defense of the continent.

Sources

1. Rzeczpospolita / LIGA.net — PGZ selects BAE Systems for 40-year 155 mm shell venture
2. UNN — Joint plant details & security value for Ukraine
3. Kritika.news — BAE tech transfer to boost Polish shell output
4. TSAMTO — Partnership overview & expansion of Polish defence potential
5. Armiya.az — Strategic implications of the BAE-PGZ agreement
6. Overclockers.ru — Technology transfer to increase ammunition production