Media: new Iskander-armed brigade could be formed in Belarus
June 7, Pozirk. Two hangars similar to Iskander stores are being built at a military unit in Asipovičy, Mahiloŭ region, Radyjo Svaboda reported citing satellite images.
A similar hangar was built there last year, it said.
In addition, “abandoned barracks and an administrative building are being renovated” at Military Unit No. 12147, where the construction of the hangars was spotted.
The artillery military unit hosts, among other troops, the 465th missile brigade. At least one of its battalions has a nuclear-capable Iskander-M missile system.
Belarus may host two such battalions, according to the report.
“On the satellite images from the Planet Labs service received on May 19, 2024, it can be seen that the construction has affected a significant area of the military unit where the Iskanders are stationed,” the report reads.
Speaking about the hangar completed last year, Radyjo Svaboda clarified that its construction lasted from the fall of 2022 to April 2023.
Each facility can host 12 combat vehicles, which corresponds to a standard Iskander battalion in Russia. The system includes a transporter and loader vehicle, a command and staff vehicle, a transporter-erector-launcher, and other components.
The construction of two more Iskander stores may indicate that commanders want to form a new brigade with an Iskander-M set at Military Unit No. 12147, said Rochan Consulting head Konrad Muzyka.
“If we know that Belarus has received two Iskander battalions, i.e. eight launchers with missiles, and if the Russians are going to deploy another battalion, it would be a full brigade,” the defense analyst said. “The pictures show that the Belarusians are building a facility where this brigade can be accommodated. A total of 12 launchers. They would need about 500 people to maintain them.”
On May 7, Alaksandr Łukašenka ordered a surprise exercise for nuclear weapons systems. An Iskander battalion and a Su-25 squadron were put on alert, he said.
In February 2023, the Ministry of Defense announced that Belarusian soldiers began the independent operation of Iskander systems.
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