Analysis of satellite imagery revealed the place of deployment of belarusian Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, received by Minsk in February 2023 from russia. These missile systems together with Su-25 aircraft adapted specially for carrying nuclear warheads, are assets of particular interest for all the nearby countries, and their location is an important piece of information.
Specialists from the Federation of American Scientists have analyzed satellite photos provided by Maxar and detected Iskander systems stationed at the military base near Asipovichy town, 40 km from Bobruisk in the middle of the country. It is the permanent deployment base of the 465th Missile Brigade of belarusian armed forces.
Read more: Russia Transfers Iskander Missiles to Belarus Violating Two Fundamental International Agreements At Once
Constructions of hangars for Iskanders began in October 2022, completed in April 2023. The image from July 4th shows four transporter-erector-launchers, one of them with opened missile pod, plus two more vehicles, most likely the 9S552 mobile command points.
In addition, the analysts assume that this location indicates also where the nuclear warheads for Iskander systems could be held. Mere 10 km away from that place, there is the 1405th Artillery Ammunition Base (military unit index 42707) in the Vialikaja Haroza village.
This means that belarus after all decided not to restore the Gomel-30 – central base for storing Soviet-era nuclear weapons, which is located in the quite populated village of Zarechie. It was the facility that met all safety requirements for a nuclear weapons storage, however, it was neglected and abandoned.
On the other hand, Gomel-30 is only 73 km from Ukraine's border, so the decision to not restore such an important facility so close to hostile territories is logical.
In contrast, the 1405th Artillery Ammunition Base and the 465th Missile Brigade base are 200 km away from Ukraine, 240 km from Lithuania, and 325 km from Poland. Still, it doesn't mean the location is safe from a potential strike.
For instance, Lithuania announced in 2022 that it would consider acquiring HIMARS rocket systems with ATACMS. In turn, Poland has the AGM-158A JASSM cruise missile with a range of 370 km in service with its Air Force, while also looking to get an upgraded JASSM-XR reaching as far as 1,900 km.
Read more: "Wagner" is Preparing For Actions in Lithuania, Poland and Actively Seeking for Recruits Among belarusians
