During Alexandr Lukashenko’s visit to St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin announced that Belarus would receive a system capable of launching tactical nuclear missiles. The above refers to the Iskander-M launchers, and upgrades that potentially would be made to the Su-25 attack aircraft.
The Iskander-M systems can launch ballistic, or cruise missiles. Meanwhile, the Su-25 is a CAS platform, with a low payload capacity and range. It is not an aircraft designed to deliver nuclear weapons. The modification of that aircraft that would render it capable of carrying light tactical nuclear weapons is theoretically doable, but it cannot be said that the Su-25 is an optimal nuclear armament delivery platform.
The previously made statements on the aforesaid Iskander missiles or possible modification of the Belorussian Polonez rocket artillery system seem to be far more threatening.
The announcement on modification of the Belorussian Su-30SM multi-role combat aircraft, so that they become nuclear-capable, seems to be reasonable.
Belarus only operates a couple of these. Ultimately it is expected that 12 aircraft are in service, within a single squadron of modest size. The Su-25 is operated by Belarus in high numbers, meanwhile. 67 aircraft remained in active service earlier this year. If these were not partially sold to Russia, or the Wagner’s Group – also operating the type – that number may play a significant role in a potential conflict.