Belarus said Tuesday it had launched a snap inspection of its non-strategic nuclear weapons carriers on orders from President Alexander Lukashenko.
The announcement came a day after his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin ordered nuclear exercises in Russia, raising fears that the powerful weapon could be used in Ukraine.
Non-strategic nuclear weapons, also known as tactical nuclear weapons, are designed for use on the battlefield and can be delivered by missiles.
It is less destructive than strategic nuclear weapons used to destroy entire cities, but is still very destructive and has never been used in combat.
“In accordance with the instructions of the President of Belarus, a surprise inspection of non-strategic nuclear weapons carriers is being carried out,” the Belarusian Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
The inspection will examine “the planning, preparation and use of strikes using tactical nuclear warheads” and will involve a squadron of Su-25 aircraft, the department added.
Belarus does not have its own nuclear weapons, but last year the Moscow ally agreed to host Russian tactical warheads on its territory amid rising tensions over Ukraine.
