Belarus wants to mount nuclear warheads on Polonez rocket launchers

Belarus is considering the possibility of equipping its Polonez long-range multiple rocket launcher system with nuclear warheads, a senior security official said this week.

The Polonez missile with a range of 300km would be extremely dangerous if equipped with a nuclear warhead. Photo: TWZ

Belarus Security Council Secretary Alexander Volfovich told reporters on Thursday that discussions are underway on the possibility of integrating a nuclear payload into the Polonez launcher.

“Polonez is a modern artillery complex with a range of 200 to 300 km. This is a high-precision weapon. Of course, any weapon needs to be adjusted and changed. Questions have been raised about equipping these missiles with nuclear warheads,” Volfovich said.

Belarus does not currently possess its own nuclear weapons, but it does have Russian tactical nuclear warheads on its territory. Moscow has said that these warheads remain under Russian control. If Minsk pursues adapting its Polonez systems to carry nuclear warheads, it would mark a departure from existing arrangements and raise questions about compliance with international treaties.

The Polonez launcher is based on the Chinese A-200 and A-300 missile systems, mounted on the Belarusian MZKT-7930 chassis. The system is promoted by Minsk as a domestic product, although its development relied heavily on Chinese technology.

If nuclear warheads were installed on Polonez, Belarusian forces would potentially control launchers capable of carrying nuclear weapons, an outcome that would challenge longstanding agreements limiting the sharing of nuclear weapons outside established frameworks.

Russia shares nuclear arsenal with Belarus as a strategic move to counter NATO. Photo: Sputnik

Russia has repeatedly stressed that while tactical nuclear weapons are stored in Belarus, command and control remains fully in Moscow’s hands. Volfovich’s comments suggest Minsk is still seeking greater autonomy in its nuclear-related capabilities.

In addition to the discussions on Polonez, Volfovich said Belarus is also looking into the possibility of integrating Russian hypersonic missile technology. He mentioned the Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic missile system as a candidate for a joint development program.

The official described it as an opportunity for a “common missile complex,” although he did not provide details on a timeline or technical requirements.

Belarus' pursuit of these options comes amid growing military cooperation with Russia and Russia's deployment of nuclear weapons inside Belarus' borders earlier this year.

Western officials have warned that such moves would increase instability in Europe and blur the line of nuclear responsibility between Moscow and Minsk.