Satellite Images Show Belarus Expanding Airfields and Border Bases
In 2022, Russia used Belarus as a base for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Over the course of more than three years, the republic underwent a large-scale modernization of military facilities: airfields, military bases, and ammunition depots.
The Gaze reports on this, citing Radio Svoboda.
The most modernized facility is the Lunynets airfield, which in 2022 became a base for Russian Su-25s, Su-34s, and helicopters attacking Ukraine. After the Russian aircraft left, the barracks were restored, hangars were modernized, fuel depots and fortifications were built, and air defense and missile systems were deployed. In 2023, the airfield became the permanent base of the 56th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment of Belarus.
Other airfields were also upgraded: Lida, Baranovichi, Zyabrovka, and Machulishchi, where hangars were built, runways were repaired, radar systems were modernized, and fortifications were installed.
Aviation expert Anatoly Khrapchinsky notes that the transfer of Russian aviation to Belarusian airfields and the development of air defense infrastructure will be a key indicator of the Kremlin's preparations for new offensive actions.
“But today we must closely monitor not only the appearance of aircraft, but also the development of defense infrastructure — the construction of hangars to shelter aircraft, the installation of anti-drone nets over parking lots and equipment, and the construction of new fortifications for air defense,” he said.
At the end of May 2022, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko established the Southern Operational Command to protect the country's southern border after the Russian army withdrew from the Kyiv region. The new command probably lacked bases in this area, so construction began on two new military facilities near the border with Ukraine.
The first facility is located near Gomel, more than 30 km from the border. Since the end of 2023, the area has been cleared, and infrastructure is being actively built: buildings, roads, and a training and tactical field.
Construction of the second facility began in 2024, south of Minsk on the site of the former Soviet base “Pavlovka.” Satellite images from 2025 show warehouses, hangars, fortifications, and foundations laid for residential and office buildings. It is currently unknown which unit will be stationed there, but experts do not rule out the possible deployment of Russian Oreshnik ballistic missiles.
Polish military expert Konrad Muzyka emphasizes that these new bases and modernized facilities are part of preparations for potential threats, and the presence of Russian troops in southern Belarus and their anti-aircraft missile systems indicate an increased threat.
At the same time, the expert doesn`t believe “that Belarus as a whole is focused on an offensive. Belarus does not have the resources to create an army that would threaten Ukraine or Poland. But the biggest difference between what is happening there (in southern Belarus – ed.) compared to other parts of the country is the presence of Russian troops.”
In addition, in central Belarus, near the city of Osipovichi, there has been a large-scale expansion of military infrastructure in recent years.
Of particular note is the 465th Missile Brigade, where hangars for Iskander-M missiles and warehouses for equipment and ammunition have been built, and barracks, administrative buildings, and a sports complex have been renovated.
A railway track has been laid between the base of the 465th Brigade and the neighbouring 1405th Artillery Ammunition Base for the transport of weapons. Experts suggest that Russian tactical nuclear ammunition may be stored at the 1405th base.
Both facilities also have fortifications and air defense systems, indicating increased combat readiness.
As The Gaze reported earlier, the Russian and Belarusian armies are preparing to conduct joint strategic exercises on the territory of Belarus from September 12 to 16.