Lukashenko showcases Oreshnik missile system for the first time

The outlet noted that during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Lukashenko placed a model of a missile launcher in his office. This was likely an Oreshnik.

Photo: Lukashenko showed Oreshnik (defence-ua.com)

Photo: Lukashenko showed Oreshnik (defence-ua.com)

Photo: Lukashenko showed Oreshnik (defence-ua.com)

According to Defense Express, the photo was composed very specifically to ensure the model was visible, placing Lukashenko and the Kyrgyz Prime Minister in the corner of the frame.

Defense journalists claim that from the photo, it can be concluded that the chassis of the Oreshnik is the MZKT-79291, produced by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant.

This manufacturer provides chassis for all of Russia’s ground-based strategic missile systems, as well as other missile systems, including the Iskander.

According to Defense Express, the MZKT-79291 chassis began development in the early 2010s for the RS-26 Rubezh missile system. In Russia, the project was referred to as a light intercontinental missile, while the West considered it a violation of the INF Treaty and effectively a medium-range missile.

The exact payload capacity of the 12×12 MZKT-79291 was not disclosed. However, attempts to create a Russian equivalent based on the KamAZ-78509 with the same configuration declared a 50-ton capacity, 10 tons less than the Belarusian vehicle. Therefore, the MZKT-79291’s payload is estimated at around 60 tons.

Launchers for Oreshnik are made in Belarus

On March 13, Lukashenko stated that Belarus produces launchers for the medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik.

He added that these launchers still need missiles from Russia.

On September 25, Lukashenko also claimed that the Oreshnik is supposedly "on its way" to Belarus.