Lukashenko: Belarus to develop "Polonez"

In an official statement, Alexander Lukashenko clarified that Belarus does not plan to deploy strategic missiles, as such systems already belong to Russia and China. He emphasized that the short- and medium-range missiles we are discussing today are being developed to strengthen the country's defense capabilities, and 'Polonez' is a prime example of this program.

Lukashenko also referenced the opinion of the American magazine 'Military Watch,' which called the Belarusian rocket system 'Polonez-M' the most dangerous in Europe. The president noted that equipping the system with nuclear warheads would complete Minsk's triad, complementing the existing 'Oreshnik' and 'Iskander'.

"We don't need strategic missiles," he said, warning that pressing the so-called "red button" could turn the conflict into a global war, after which "the planet would hardly remain in orbit."

Context

Earlier, Belarus had already reported developing the 'Polonez-M' as a key element of its domestic defense industry.