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Between 2022 and 2025, Belarus modernized its military facilities and is currently constructing two new bases near the Ukrainian border, one of which, according to military experts, may be used to host the Russian Oreshnik ballistic missile.
This was reported by Ukrinform, based on satellite images from Planet Labs analyzed by journalists from Schemes, in collaboration with Belarusian and Estonian media outlets (Delfi, Eesti Ekspress).
The journalists created a map of Belarusian military sites, including both modernized and newly built bases and training grounds, which will be used during the joint Russia-Belarus “Zapad-2025” exercises scheduled from September 12 to 16.
Modernized airfields, used by the Russian military since 2022 for helicopters, fighter jets, transport aircraft, and radar planes, include:
- Luninets (Brest region)
- Lida (Grodno region)
- Baranovichi (Brest region)
- Zyabrovka (Gomel region)
- Machulishchi (Minsk region)
Satellite images show newly built hangars for fighter jets, repaired runways, upgraded radar systems, and additional fortifications at fuel storage sites.
The map also highlights military units housing Iskander missile systems and training grounds likely used for “Zapad-2025”, including Borisov, Lepel, and Losvido. Images from early September show transport vehicles and numerous military tents.
Two newly observed sites near the Ukrainian border stand out:
- A strategic military base south of Minsk, possibly hosting the Russian Oreshnik missile complex, located on the former Soviet base “Military Camp No. 25 Pavlivka.”
- A future military base near Gomel, 30 km from Ukraine. Since late 2023, trees have been cleared and construction has been underway, including foundations, roads, and a tactical training field. According to public tenders, the facility will feature barracks, a parade ground, and a dining hall for 680 personnel — sufficient for a brigade of about 3,000 troops.
Belarus created the Southern Operational Command in 2022 to protect its border against potential threats from Ukraine. The 37th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Special Operations Forces may be stationed at the new Gomel facility.
Polish military expert Konrad Muzyka commented that while Belarus is expanding its bases, the country lacks resources to threaten Ukraine or Poland independently. The key difference on the southern border is the presence of Russian troops, including anti-aircraft systems, maintaining heightened readiness in case of drone or missile attacks.
Officially, “Zapad-2025” involves 13,000 troops, but Western sources estimate up to 150,000 participants. The exercises are described by Belarus as testing the defense readiness of both countries, as well as nuclear and Oreshnik deployment procedures, though the West views them as a demonstration of offensive capabilities.
In response, Poland will close its border with Belarus on the night of September 11–12, including railway crossings, as announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
