MINSK. April 4 (Interfax) - Belarusian crews of Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile systems have been sent to Russia for training; in particular, they will be taught how to maintain and use tactical nuclear munitions, the press service for the Belarusian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
"Crews of Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile systems of the Belarusian Army's Missile Forces have departed for the Russian Federation for training," the press service said.
"The crews will learn the specific features of maintaining and using the tactical nuclear munitions for Iskander-M missile systems," it said.
"Belarusian troops will take a full training course at a training ground of the Russian Armed Forces. It will focus on enhancing their skills in preparing the missile systems for use, deploying, and conducting combat training launches," the ministry said.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on December 19, 2022, that Moscow had supplied an S-400 Triumf long-range air defense missile system and an Iskander short-range missile system to Minsk.
According to official information, the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile system can carry nuclear warheads. It is a product of the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau of Rostec's High Precision Systems Holding. The Russian Armed Forces operate two types of missiles: ballistic and cruise versions.
Official information describes the S-400 Triumf as a long-range air defense missile system designed by Almaz-Antey. It is used to down strategic and tactical aircraft, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and other means of delivering airstrikes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in March that he had agreed with Lukashenko to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.