Belarus Expands Military Infrastructure for Russian Missiles

Belarus is rapidly emerging as a strategic launchpad for Russian military operations, with President Vladimir Putin stating that the country could host Russia’s latest medium-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, by the end of 2025.

This is stated in the investigation of Radio Svoboda magazines.

A journalistic investigation by Schem, together with the Estonian publications Delphi and Eesti Ekspress, revealed that Belarus is actively building new military bases and modernizing existing ones for these purposes. Satellite images from Planet Labs covering 2022–2025 show that the country is systematically preparing for the Zapad-2025 exercises, but the scale of the development far exceeds the scope of conventional maneuvers.

The Big Picture

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Belarus has served as a rear base for the Russian military. Over the past three years, the country has not only maintained Moscow’s military presence but has also become a hub of active militarization.

Previously neglected airfields are now being modernized, and entirely new military bases are being constructed near the Ukrainian border. Journalists have documented large-scale construction in the Gomel region, the Minsk region, and near Osipovichi. These sites may host infrastructure for the deployment of Oreshnik missiles, as well as tactical nuclear weapons.

Airfields

A key example of this redevelopment is the Lunynets airfield. Previously effectively abandoned, it was rapidly brought into service during the early days of the invasion, with Russia deploying dozens of fighter jets and bombers from the site to attack Ukraine.

After that, the airfield was revitalized: barracks were constructed, new hangars and fuel depots were built, and modern air defense systems were installed. In 2023, the 56th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment was permanently stationed there. Similar modernization efforts have been carried out at other strategic airfields, including Lida, Baranovichi, Zyabrovka, and Machulischy. These sites have become fortified bases, capable of rapidly accommodating Russian aircraft in the event of a new offensive.

New military bases near Ukraine’s borders

One of the most significant projects has been the construction of a military town near Gomel. Located just a few dozen kilometers from Ukraine, the facility includes barracks, a dining hall for 680 personnel, and a training and tactical field built on cleared forest land. The scale of the complex allows it to accommodate up to 3,000 soldiers—effectively an entire brigade. Experts link this facility to the newly formed 37th Airborne Assault Brigade.

The second major project is the restoration of the old Soviet-era base at Pavlivka, south of Minsk. Previously, medium-range R-12 ballistic missiles were stored here, and now hangars for equipment, warehouses, and fortifications have been constructed. Polish military experts believe that this site could host Russia’s new Oreshnik missile, which would serve as another instrument of Moscow’s pressure on Europe.

Osipovichi Missile Infrastructure

In central Belarus, near Osipovichi, journalists have documented active development at two military sites: the 465th Missile Brigade and the 1405th Artillery Ammunition Base. According to available data, Iskander-M missile systems have been deployed here. New hangars, warehouses, and fortifications have been constructed, and a railway line has been laid connecting the two bases.

Experts believe that Base 1405 is a likely storage site for Russian tactical nuclear weapons. Following Putin’s announcement in 2023 that such weapons would be stationed in Belarus, construction of new barracks and technical facilities began at the base, underscoring its growing role in the plans of the Union State.

Training Grounds and Preparations for the “Zapad-2025” Exercises

The final stage of militarization involves the training grounds, where troops are already amassing. In Borisov, which hosts several key military units, the main training ground has been established and is set to become the central arena for the exercises. Observers have recorded around one hundred pieces of equipment and dozens of tents brought from Russia. Preparations are also underway at the Lepel and Losvido training grounds, where infrastructure for housing military personnel is already being deployed.

The exercises are officially presented as a “test of the capabilities of the Union State,” but the program includes practicing the use of nuclear weapons and the latest missile systems. This is what causes the greatest concern among international experts.

The investigation shows that, under the guise of exercises, Lukashenko is transforming Belarus into a heavily militarized bridgehead, fully integrated into the Kremlin’s military system. The emergence of new bases, the deployment of Iskander missiles, and the potential stationing of Oreshnik missiles highlight that the threat to Ukraine and EU countries is both real and long-term.

It is worth adding that Russia has begun an active reconstruction of military infrastructure near the border with Finland, and this is already causing concern among NATO countries. Satellite images indicate the emergence of new warehouses, the repair of airfields, and the development of bases that were previously unused.

By the way, a Lithuanian intelligence officer said that up to 30,000 soldiers will participate in the joint military exercises of Russia and Belarus “West-2025”.

Earlier, it became known that the first Russian troops are already in Belarus, they will take part in joint exercises, the active phase of which is scheduled for September. It is worth noting that within the framework of the joint military exercises of Minsk and Moscow, the Russians have transferred echelons of equipment to Belarus.

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