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Updated January 2008
Belarus: Missile Chronology
This annotated 1996-2008 chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.
Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.
14 January 1996
SRF Commander on denuclearization timetable: According to the Commander in Chief of the Russian Strategic Rocket forces, Colonel General Igor Sergeyev, all nuclear warheads will be removed from Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan by 9/96. Military units controlling missiles in Belarus are to be withdrawn by 9/1/96. Other sources report that Sergeyev announced that the warheads would be withdrawn in the first half of the year. However, during the week of 1/8/96 Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenka stated that he did not recognize Belarus' 1993 pledge to become a non-nuclear state. He indicated that Belarus may not send the remaining 18 SS-25s to Russia. He reportedly said that he hopes to use the missiles as a bargaining chip to secure CTR funds.
—"Russia Says Republics To Give Up Nukes," United Press International, 14 January 1996; Intelnews, 16 January 1996.
14 March 1996
Lithuania not informed of Belarusian nuclear plans: The Lithuanian state nuclear safety inspection organ, VATESI, reported that Belarus had not informed it of its plans to build a nuclear power station, but had been under no obligation to do so.
—The Baltic Observer, 14-20 March 1996, p. 3.
20 March 1996
Sandia-SOSNY MPC&A programs overview: The Sandia National Laboratory has been assisting Belarus in its efforts to develop modern and effective indigenous MPC&A capabilities and upgrade the physical protection systems at Sosny. In FY95, a site survey of Sosny was conducted, a site visit to Sosny was completed, a design information exchange visited Sweden, and an as-ordered agreement (AOA) and task contract negotiation and signing took place at Sosny. In FY96, 16 participants from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Latvia, and Uzbekistan underwent basic physical protection system design training. In addition, a site survey was completed for Sosny building 40 and limited physical protection upgrades were installed in this building, physical protection upgrades were installed in Sosny building 33, a design coordination exchange visited Sweden, and AOA task contract negotiation and signing took place at Sosny.
—Statement of Tom Sellers, Director, International Security Programs, Sandia National Laboratory, Before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Governmental Affairs Committee, 320 March 1996, pp. 16-26.
20 March 1996
IPEP coordinating nuclear waste project: The Institute of Power Engineering Problems is currently coordinating a project between Belarus, the IAEA, and Sweden to deal with all radioactive waste, including that from a future nuclear power station. Under the auspices of this project, money is being disbursed for equipment, training, travel, and for consultations by Western experts. The program will be completed by December 1996.
—CISNP Discussions With Belarusian nuclear official, 20 March 1996.
20 March 1996
Cleanup system for radioactively contaminated area: The Belarusian Institute of Power Engineering Problems is working on a project with TACIS to develop a boiler to be used at the Svetlogorsk Pulp Cardboard Plant to deal with fallout from the 1986 Chornobyl disaster. The boiler will have off-gas treatment and ash management treatment systems. The IPEP also has two projects with U.S. labratories to deal with ash management and a co-generating power plant that will be fueld by contaminated wood. Among various other projects associated with the cleanup and management from Chornobyl fallout, much energy is being given to turf cutting and bulldozing projects to clean the layer of contaminated soil in the affected forest (3670 square kilometers, ed. note) and urban territories in Belarus.
—CISNP Discussions with Belarusian Official, 20 March 1996.
20 April 1996
Yeltsin on warhead removal timetable: At the G-7 nuclear safety summit in Moscow, Russian President Boris Yeltsin pledged that all nuclear warheads in Ukraine and Belarus would be transferred to Russia by December 1996.
—Scott Parrish, "Yeltsin To Request Relocation Of Western Nukes," Omri Daily Digest, 11 April 1996.
August 1996
Soviet nuclear waste site discovered: The Belarusian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection located an undocumented waste site at a former Soviet military base in the Kolasava settlement of the Stawbtsowski region. The officials found radioactively contaminated equipment, but did not find any paperwork concerning how effectively the waste was buried. The Belarusian Ministry of Defense plans to build a new site for the waste at an approximate cost of 30 million rubles. It is unclear if Russia will help finance the project.
—Radio Minsk Network, 6 August 1996, in "Nuclear Waste Site Discovered at Former Military Base," FBIS-TEN-96-009.
24 September 1996
Comprehensive test ban treaty signed.
1 October 1996
MC&A upgrades completed at Sosny: The Department of Energy reported the completion of the new materials control and accounting system upgrades at the Sosny Science and Technical Center.[1] Using CTR funding, Sandia, Los Alamos, and Argonne National Laboratories participated in designing the system, which complies with international norms for MC&A systems.[1,2] Japan and Sweden also assisted in funding the project.[1] Included in the physical upgrades outside the buildings were infrared intrusion sensors, exterior lighting, video surveillance, security fencing, and turnstiles. Inside the buildings, the project strengthened the fresh fuel vault, installed motion sensors, established an entry control system for personnel entering secure buildings, sealed windows, and set alarms. The Deparment of Energy's main objective was to provide increased physical security for Buildings 33 and 40, where all of the direct-use fissile material will be stored. Department personnel also installed a computer-based materials control and accounting system to track and report inventories to both national and international authorities.[2]
—[1] DoE Press Release, "DoE Secures Nuclear Material In Belarus and Uzbekistan, Reduces Risk Of Nuclear Proliferation," 1 October 1996. [2] Improving Nuclear Materials Security at the Sosny Science and Technical Center, U.S. Department of Energy, June 1997.
23-27 November 1996
Nuclear warheads, missiles, withdrawn from Belarus: On 23 November 1996 the last nuclear warheads were transferred from Belarus to Russia, and on 27 November 1996 the last of the SS-25 ICBMs were shipped to Russia.[1] The last act in the denuclearization of Belarus occurred with surprising speed. Less than two weeks after Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenka hinted that the withdrawal of the weapons would be delayed, the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces announced that all nuclear warheads had been removed.[2] The announcement led to some confusion, however, as while all the warheads were out, some missiles remained in Belarus.[3, 4] It appears that the SS-25 missiles were removed in two batches. According to Belarusian First Deputy Foreign Minister Valeryy Tsepkala, one group of eight SS-25s was shipped to Russia in mid-November, apparently during the week ending 22 November.[5] A second set of seven missiles was given a ceremonial send-off on 27 November at a railroad base near the Lida ICBM base.[6, 7] (This latter number is consistent with the number of missiles present at the Lida base. The number given for the first shipment is one less than the total number of missiles at the Mozyr base, but it is possible that one missile was either shipped separately, or that Tsepkala erred.) The departure ceremony was attended by Russian Defense Minister Igor Rodionov, Russian Strategic Rocket Forces Commander Igor Sergeyev, and other military and political officials. Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenka did not attend, despite expectations that he would, because of political troubles in Minsk. Rodionov reaffirmed Russia's commitment to ensure the security of Belarus, in keeping with the terms of the CIS Collective Security Treaty (Tashkent Treaty), but did not extend any further security guarantees. [8]
The SS-25 (Russian name "Topol," designation RS-12M) is a solid-fuel, single-warhead, road-mobile ICBM designed by the Nadiradze design bureau (Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology) and manufactured at the Votkinsk missile factory in Russia. When the USSR collapsed in late 1991 there were three Strategic Rocket Forces divisions deploying SS-25s at three sites in Belarus.
The SS-25s removed from Belarus are being redeployed in Russia at existing ICBM bases, where new launch pads are being built for the SS-25s and their mobile launchers. Transfer of the missiles is possible because they are under Russian jurisdiction, and deployment of single-warhead mobile missiles is allowed under the START treaties. The SS-25 and an improved variant, the Topol-M (SS-X-27), are to become the mainstay of Russia's strategic forces over the next decade.
Since the SS-25 is mobile, it is launched from a transporter parked on a launching pad (concrete revetments) rather than from a silo. Under the terms of the START-I treaty these launching pads must be destroyed, a requirement that has caused some misgivings in Belarus because of allegedly harmful environmental consequences. Funding for launch site destruction has been provided by the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Program as well as by the German government.
In 1998-99 speculation concerning the possible re-deployment of Russian nuclear weapons to Belarus was fanned by negotiations over the Russia-Belarus Union Treaty and by Russian and Belarusian denunciation of NATO's bombing campaign in Kosovo.
—[1]"Belarus Completes the Withdrawal of the Remaining Russian Missiles," Press Release, Embassy of the Republic of Belarus to the United States of America, 27 November 1996. [2] Interfax, 23 November 1996, in "Last Russian Nuclear Warheads Removed From Belarus," FBIS-SOV-96-228. [3] Moscow NTV, 24 November 1996, in "Withdrawal of Missiles from Belarus `Still Continuing,'" FBIS-SOV-96-232. [4] "Belarus gives up nukes, keeps missiles," Washington Times, 26 November 1996, p. 11. [5] Radio Riga, 22 November 1996, in "Nuclear Weapons To Be Removed to Russia," FBIS-SOV-96-228. [6] Valeriy Kovalev, "V Yevrope poyavilos' eshche odno bezyadernoye gosudarstvo," Krasnaya Zvezda, 29 November 1996, p. 1. [7] Russian Public TV, 27 November 1996, in "Rodionov Assures Belarus of Support Against Threats," FBIS-SOV-96-231. [8] Aleksandr Zhilin, "'Topolya' uezhayut v Rossiyu," Moskovskiye Novosti, no. 48, 1-8 December 1996, p. 8.
December 1996
Minister calls for aid to build NPP: Belarusian Energy Minister Valentin Gerasimov said that Belarus is seeking $3.5 to $4 billion in aid to build a nuclear power facility, which is to be operational by 2005. The location has not yet been determined, but three possible sites have been chosen near the Russian border.[1] A new nuclear power plant would create more energy independence for Belarus; it currently must import nearly 90 percent of its energy from abroad. Belarus currently has one unfinished nuclear plant near Minsk, but construction stopped following the 1986 Chornobyl accident.[2]
—[1] "Belarus expresses interest in nuclear power plants," Nuclear News, February 1997, p. 43. [2] "Belarus Seeks Funds to Develop Nuclear Power Plant," Post-Soviet Nuclear and Defense Monitor, 20 January 1997, p. 6.
January 1997
International cooperation improved nuclear materials safety at Sosny: In an article in the Belarusian journal Vektor, Deputy Chairman of Promatomnadzor Andrey Tukhto wrote that materials protection, control, and accounting (MPC&A) at Sosny improved significantly since international assistance programs began. The IAEA, Sweden, and Japan, in conjunction with Promatomnadzor and Sosny scientists, have contributed to strengthening control over Belarusian nuclear material by creating the Plan for Coordinated Technical Assistance (PCTA). The Plan has succeeded in creating a state MPC&A system on both government and reactor plant levels, specifying a method of interaction between state agencies and local plant operators, and working out government-specified requirements for an MPC&A system. The Plan has already assisted Belarus in meeting demands for physical protection, transportation and return of nuclear materials; specifying areas between the state and nuclear facilities on questions of nuclear responsibility; calling for increased physical security before licensing those working with nuclear materials; and introducing security programs for materials accounting on both state and facility levels. In February and April 1996 Los Alamos National Laboratory invited Sosny scientists to Albuquerque to attend courses on methods of MPC&A. In Minsk, a group of international lawyers met with Promatomnadzor to give insight on the establishment of the Belarusian law "On Radiation Safety and the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy." Tukhto estimated that the PCTA spent nearly $1 million on equipment installation and modernization. He outlined several problems Belarus must work on in the near future: completing an MPC&A information system, installing computer equipment and training personnel; installing radiation and measuring equipment in laboratories studying nuclear safety; obtaining technical assistance in developing a national system of materials control for the transit of nuclear materials and uranium products through Belarus; drafting legislation on nuclear protection; completing the system for physical protection of materials; and training personnel working with radioactive waste.
—Andrey Tukhto, "Natsionalnyye mery i mezhdunarodnoye sotrudnichestvo v sfere obespecheniya yadernoy bezopasnosti v Respublike Belarus," Vektor, Jaunary 1997, pp. 10-11.
March 1997
District volunteers to be NPP site: The Dubrovno (Dubrowna) district in northeast Belarus has proposed that it be the site of the nuclear power plant the government plans to build. While Dubrovno is one of the sites under consideration, the decision depends on the results of geological studies and final design of the plant.[1] Minister of Fuel and Energy Valentin Gerasimov added that agreements with international energy organizations are also necessary.[2]
—[1] "Belarus considers sites," Financial Times: East European Energy Report, March 1997, p. 28. [2] Tereza Khayutina, "Ploshadka dlya AES poka ne vybrana," Narodnaya Volya, 13 March 1997; in Ekoinform, no. 3, March 1997.
26 March 1997
Green party requests statement of ministry's position on NPP: The Belarusian Green Party sent a letter to the Ministry of Fuel and Energy, requesting a detailed explanation of the Ministry's position concerning the construction of a nuclear power plant on Belarusian territory. In the letter, the Green Party noted that if the explanation they receive is not "exhaustive," the Party will file an inquiry with the president, and should that fail, they will create a campaign demanding a national referendum on the issue.
Belapan, 26 March 1997; in "Green Party Queries Government Stand on Nuclear Plant," FBIS-TEN-97-005.
13 May 1997
Chamber of representatives approves law on radiation protection: The Draft Law on Radiation Protection of the Public provides regulations for protecting the public and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation related to radioactive waste management, the use of ionizing radiation sources, and the aftermath of radiation-related accidents. In April 1997, the Belarusian Parliament created the Draft Law on Uses of Nuclear Energy and Radiation Safety. This draft law stipulates the following: that the safety of nuclear installations, radiation sources, radioactive substances, and radiation source handling be guaranteed; that sufficient financial compensation for nuclear damage be guaranteed (these provisions closely follow the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage); and that Belarus's international responsibilities in the field of nuclear law be met. This last requirement states that international agreements will take precedence over national legislation. The Belarusian Chamber of Representatives is expected to conduct the first reading of this law during the first quarter of 1998. Both the bill On Radiation Protection of the Public and the bill On Uses of Nuclear Energy and Radiation Protection take into account international agreements that Belarus has signed or plans to sign.
—"Belarus," Nuclear Law Bulletin, no. 60, December 1997, pp. 75-77.
14 May 1997
Gerasimov: "No Alternative" to nuclear power: During a 14 May 1997 parliamentary question-and-answer session, Belarusian Energy Minister Valentin Gerasimov recently stated, "There is no alternative to the development of nuclear power engineering in the Republic."[1] The four nuclear reactors Gerasimov proposes would cost almost $5 billion, but Belarusian experts say they would save the country $264 million annually on electricity and fuel imports.[2] Possible sites for a power plant are in Bykhaw or Shklow districts, Mahilow Region; and in Dubrowna district, Vitsiebsk Region.[1] Swedish International Project Director Jan Nistad indicated that the power plant "would have to be Russian," and that if it were, Belarus would probably pay for it by exporting electricity to Russia.[2] On 12 May 1997, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Gennady Novitsky had refuted reports that the Belarusian government was planning to build a nuclear power plant and had chosen a site for it. Novitsky acknowledged that the government was considering the option, but stated that no decisions had been made.[3]
—[1] Belapan, 15 May 1997; in "Belarus Searching for Site for New Nuclear Power Plant," FBIS-SOV-97-135. [2] Ariane Sains, "Energy Minister Says New Nuclear Plant is Best Choice for Belarus," Nucleonics Week, 22 May 1997, p. 4. [3] Andrey Fomin, ITAR-TASS, 12 May 1997; in "Official Dismisses Reported Plan for Nuclear Power Plant," FBIS-SOV-97-132
26 September 1997
ABM Treaty: Belarus became a party to the ABM Treaty when the Memorandum of Understanding on succession to the ABM Treaty was signed in New York on 26 September 1997. Before the signing of the memorandum, Belarus had attended meetings of the Standing Consultative Committee established to monitor and consult on issues concerning the ABM Treaty. An earlier attempt to solve the problem of succession to the ABM Treaty failed on 31 October 1996, when US-Russian disagreements over tactical ballistic missile demarcation issues resulted in the cancellation of a signing ceremony for the succession memorandum.
—[1] "U.S., Russia Near Agreement on Lower-Velocity TMD Systems," Arms Control Today, June 1996, p. 19, 27.[2] ITAR-TASS, 2 November 1996, in "Belarus 'Disappointed' Over Blocking of Missile Defense," FBIS-SOV-96-214.
16 October 1997
Chairman opposes plant construction: Chairman of the Subcommission on Science and Technological Progress of the Belarusian House of Representatives Ruslan Ignatishchev stated in an editorial in Narodnaya gazeta that proponents of constructing a nuclear power plant in Belarus are deliberately misleading the public to support the project. Ignatishchev's editorial is a response to a May 1997 appearance of Minister of Fuel and Energy Valentin Gerasimov in the House of Representatives in which Gerasimov stated that nuclear energy is the only energy alternative for Belarus. Among Ignatishchev's arguments against construction is the fact that the new nuclear plant would supply only 4.5 percent of Belarus' energy needs, it could not begin operation until about 2012, and estimated costs for construction range from $4 to $9 billion (Belarus has an annual budget of $1.5 billion). Costs for constructing a spent fuel storage facility would also be a major issue since neither Russia nor Ukraine permit the import of radioactive waste. As alternatives to a new nuclear plant, Ignatishchev suggests purchasing energy from already-existing nuclear plants (Ignalina in Lithuania, Smolensk in Russia, or Chornobyl and Rivne in Ukraine) and using Belarus' own natural gas deposits, which should last for another 80 years.
—"Yesli zadayut vopros, stroit li v Belarusi AES, ya otvechayu—ni v koyem sluchaye!" Narodnaya gazeta, No. 215, 16 October 1997, p. 1.
23 October 1997
Scientists hold anti-nuclear conference in Minsk: The Belarusian Association of Independent Scientists and Inventors, the Belarusian Republican Association "Chornobyl Union," the Belarusian Social and Ecological Union "Chornobyl," the Belarusian Engineering Academy, and other public organizations held a conference in Minsk opposing plans to construct a nuclear power plant early in the next century. About 100 people participated in the conference. Among the topics discussed at the conference were: requesting a 15 or 20-year moratorium on constructing a nuclear plant in Belarus; upgrading current thermal power plants and technologies; criticizing the IAEA for concealing information on the amount of damage caused by the Chornobyl accident; and quickening the selection process for the commission of experts who will decide whether Belarus actually needs a new nuclear plant. The conference participants felt that a new nuclear plant would deepen Belarus' economic crisis, create radioactive waste problems, and perpetuate the country's wasteful level of energy consumption.
—Belapan Radio, 6 November 1997; in "Conference Proposes Moratorium on Building Nuclear Plants," FBIS-SOV-97-310.
28 October 1997
Belarus will create a strategy to manage its nuclear waste: Chairman of the Industrial Atomic Energy Inspectorate Vladimir Yatsevich told Interfax that Belarus is currently planning a national strategy to manage its radioactive waste. Belarus currently accumulates nearly eight metric tons of radioactive waste each year from various industries, scientific laboratories, and medical research departments. The Sosny Institute of Power Engineering Problems is the only specialized facility in Belarus which stores radioactive waste, and as of 28 October 1997, its disposal facilities were at 85 percent capacity (it can hold a total of 1660 cubic meters of waste). The government has proposed nearly 2 billion Belarusian rubles (about $67,000) to upgrade the facility. A special project has been planned with the IAEA to upgrade the storage facility according to international standards. In addition to Sosny, there are 77 other sites in Belarus which have been accumulating about 30,000 metric tons of waste annually from the Chornobyl accident cleanup.
—Interfax, 28 October 1997; in "Belarus Develops Strategy To Handle Radioactive Waste," FBIS-TEN-97-301.
17 February 1998
Poll shows few Belarusians favor new nuclear plant: In a poll by the Zerkalo sociological service, 58 percent of 500 Minsk residents stated that they oppose the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus. Only ten percent supported the plant, while 15 percent stated their support depended on where the new nuclear plant would be located.
—Belapan Radio, 17 February 1998; in "Belarus: Minsk Residents Oppose Building New Nuclear Plant," FBIS-SOV-98-050, 19 February 1998.
26 March 1998
Belaus indicates three possible sites for new power plant: Representatives of the Belarusian Energy Institute told Interfax that the Dubrov district (Vitebsk region), the Shklov district (Mogilyov region), or the Bykhov district (Mogilyov region) are possible sites for the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Belarus. The experts chose these areas because they are sparsely populated and have access to water. Although 17 percent of Belarusians do not oppose a new power plant, Director of the Sociology Institute Yevgeniy Babosov stated that only 5.7 percent of the population would "calmly" accept a nuclear plant in their area.[1] Speaking at the Institute of Power Engineering Problems in Sosny on 3 February 1998, President Alyaksandr Lukashenka stated that the government will allow the people to vote by popular referendum whether a new nuclear power plant should be constructed. The president did not give a date for the proposed referendum.[2]
—[1] Interfax, "Three Sites Singled Out For Nuclear Power Plant in Belarus," no. 2, 26 March 1998. [2] Belapan Radio, 4 February 1998; in "Lukashenka Says People Will Decide on Nuclear Power Plant," FBIS-SOV-98-035.
9 November 1998
Belarus signs new INF implementing agreements: On 9 November 1998, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and the United States signed seven new agreements on implementing the INF treaty, including a memorandum on procedures for the activities of the Special Verification Commission.[1] Ambassador Stanislav Ogurtsov signed the agreements for Belarus.[2]]
—[1] Wendy Lubetkin, "Five States sign new agreements on intermediate-range nuclear forces," Ukrainian Weekly, No.47, 22 November 1998, p. 2.[2] Aleksandr Patutin, "Raket uzhe net, no kontrol ostayetsya," Belorusskiy Rynok, No.45, 16-22 November 1998, p. 5.
20 January 2000
Minsk urges Washington to observe ABM treaty: In response to the US Department of Defense's announcement that it intends to test a missile intercept system, the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that abrogating the ABM treaty may destabilize the whole structure of key global nonproliferation agreements. Yuriy Platonov, an aide to the Belarusian Minister of Defense, announced that Belarus will act as it deems necessary to further its own security interests, but added that if the United States unilaterally abandons ABM treaty, Russia will not abide by it, either.
—"Minsk prizyvayet Vashington soblyudat dogovor po PRO," Interfax, No. 2, 20 January 2000.
16 May 2000
Lukashenka signs law on ratification of CTBT: On 16 May 2000 Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka signed the law On Ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. According to Duma International Committee Chairman Nikolay Chabrinets, Belarus diligently follows its obligations under the treaty. The CTBT will enter into force 180 days after the 44 countries that posses nuclear technologies or nuclear power plants sign and ratify it.
—Yuras Dubina, "Belarus bez yadernogo oruzhiya," Belorusskaya gazeta online edition, http://www.open.by//2000051615.html, 16 May 2000.
14 December 2000
Belarus signs amendment on ending inspections and monitorying regime On 14 December 2001 in Geneva representatives of the United States, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan signed an amendment to the INF Treaty's Memorandum of Agreement outlining the procedures for ending on-site inspections and the monitoring regime of the missile production plants located in Magna (Utah), and Votkinsk (Udmurtiya). While the INF Treaty is of indefinite duration, the inspection and monitoring regime will expire on 31 May 2001.
—[1] "Predstaviteli SShA, Belarusi, Kazakhstana, Rossii i Ukrainy podpisali popravku k memorandumu o Dogovore o yadernykh silakh sredney dalnosti," BelaPAN, 18 December 2000. [2] Wendy Lubetkin, "Two Sets of Arms Control Agreements Signed in Geneva," U.S. Department of State International Information Programs, Washington File Web Site, http://usinfo.state.gov/products/washfile.htm, 11 December 2001.
15 May 2003: MTCR Chairman Visits Belarus
On 15 May 2003, Missile Technology Control Regime Chairman Ambassador Mariusz Handzlik of Poland conducted the first visit by an MTCR head to Belarus. Ambassador Handzlik held preliminary discussions with Belarusian officials on the prospects for MTCR membership; the latter reiterated their commitment to nonproliferation of missile technologies.
—NIS Export Control Observer, July 2003, pp. 5-6, http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/nisexcon/pdfs/ob_0307e.pdf.
January 2007: Russia Completes Deliveries of S-300PS Missile Systems to Belarus
In January 2007, Russia reportedly completed deliveries of 24 S-300PS [NATO Designation: SA-10 'Grumble'] surface to air missile systems that will arm the 115 Air Brigade of the Belarusian Air Force, based in Brest. Russia committed to transfer the systems to enhance the air defense capabilities of the Russian-Belarusian Joint Air Defense Group in an agreement signed on 10 September 2005. Russia's Almaz Antey was slated to refurbish the systems. The S-300PS, supplied to Belarus, is equipped with R-500R and R-500KD missiles with a range of 90 km. [1] Some press reports have speculated that Minsk intended to transfer the missile systems to Iran and Syria; however, these have not been substantiated. [2, 3]
— [1]"Russia completes S-300PS deliveries to Belarus," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, 1 July 2006. [2] Sammy Salama and Gina Cabrera-Farraj, "Controversy over Belarusian air defense systems and seizure of dual-use goods in Austria turn spotlight on Iranian missile program," WMD Insights, July/August 2006; http://wmdinsights.org/I7/I7_EU1_ControversyOver.htm; Anya Loukianova and Nikolai Sokov, "The Iran Counter-Proliferation Act," CNS Research Story, October 2007, http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/week/071026.htm.
14 November 2007: Russia Ponders Placement of Iskander Missile System in Belarus
On 14 November 2007, commander of Russia's Missile and Artillery Troops Colonel General Vladimir Zaritsky stated that Russia was considering transfer of the conventional Iskander-E short range missile system to Belarus as a tool to counter proposed U.S. deployment of ballistic missile defense system elements in Poland and the Czech Republic. "Under the right conditions and with the corresponding agreement of Belarus, it is possible," Zaritsky was quoted as saying. However, officials from the Belarusian defense ministry were quoted as clarifying that Moscow and Minsk had discussed the latter's desire to purchase the Iskander for its armed forces. The Iskander-E is capable of hitting targets at 280 km and would technically be able to reach the interceptors, proposed for placement in Poland. [1] On 27 August 2007, Russia's ambassador to Belarus similarly suggested that Russia was considering renovating nuclear and missile infrastructure in Belarus, however, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially dismissed his comments on 3 September 2007. [2]
—[1] Dmitry Solovyov, "Russia may deploy missiles in Belarus: general," Reuters, 14 November 2007; [2] "Russian nukes back in Belarus?" Jane's Intelligence Digest, 28 September 2007.
This
material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for
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does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently
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