Air Force and Air Defence Forces of the Republic of Belarus
Organizational Overview
The Air Force and Air Defence Forces of the Republic of Belarus operate under a unified command headquartered in Minsk, currently led by Major General Andrei Lukyanovich. The structure integrates both air force and air defense elements, providing a comprehensive approach to national airspace security and operational readiness. The organization is comprised of multiple aviation bases, missile regiments, support units, and specialized training and technical facilities, reflecting a Soviet-influenced, tiered command and control system.
61st Fighter Aviation Air Base
The 61st Fighter Aviation Air Base, designated as military unit 54804 and commanded by Colonel Leonid Davidovich, is equipped with MiG-29 and Su-30SM fighter aircraft. This base serves as a principal node for air superiority and quick reaction alert missions, with the Su-30SM providing enhanced multi-role capabilities and the MiG-29 offering proven air-to-air combat performance. The presence of these platforms supports both defensive and limited offensive operations within Belarusian and adjacent airspace.
50th Mixed Aviation Air Base
The 50th Mixed Aviation Air Base, military unit 06752, operates a diverse fleet including the Ilyushin Il-76MD strategic airlifter, Antonov An-26 transport aircraft, and rotary-wing assets such as the Mil Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters. This base underpins the Belarusian Air Force’s logistical, tactical airlift, and rotary-wing support capabilities, facilitating troop movement, cargo transport, and close air support operations. The variety of platforms enables flexible response to both military and humanitarian requirements.
116th Guards Assault Aviation Air Base
The 116th Guards Assault Aviation Air Base, military unit 19764, commanded by Colonel Alexander Karev, is equipped with Su-25 ground attack aircraft, Yak-130 advanced jet trainers, and L-39 trainers. The Su-25s provide dedicated close air support and ground attack capabilities, while the Yak-130 and L-39 platforms serve both as trainers and light attack aircraft. This base is critical for both pilot training and the provision of direct air support to ground forces.
Air Defence Missile Regiments and Brigade
Belarusian air defense is structured around several key missile regiments and a brigade, each operating distinct surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. The 56th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (unit 10198) reportedly fields S-300PS and possibly S-400 systems, enhancing long-range air defense. The 377th Guards Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (unit 55719) operates S-300PS systems, while the 120th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade (unit 96577) is equipped with Buk-M1 medium-range SAMs. The 147th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (unit 96869) utilizes the 9K33M3 Osa-AKM, providing short-range, mobile air defense. This layered structure enables multi-tiered protection against a range of aerial threats.
Support and Technical Units
Support infrastructure is provided by units such as the 483rd Security, Maintenance and Supply Battalion (unit 45017) and the 83rd Separate Airfield Engineer Regiment (unit 20392). These units ensure the operational readiness of air bases through maintenance, logistics, and engineering support. The 3666th Aviation Technical Warehouse (unit 36857) and the 2631st Aviation Missile and Ammunition Storage Base (unit 94017) are responsible for the storage and management of technical equipment, munitions, and spare parts, ensuring sustained operational capability.
Electronic Warfare and Communications
The 16th Separate Electronic Warfare (EW) Regiment (unit 97063) is tasked with providing electronic countermeasures and supporting the overall electronic defense posture of the Belarusian Air Force. The 56th Separate Communications Regiment (unit 29766) ensures secure and reliable communications across the command structure, supporting both peacetime operations and combat readiness.
Training and Operational Readiness
Training and operational proficiency are maintained through dedicated facilities such as the 210th Aviation Training Ground 'Ruzhany' (unit 39212), the 174th Air Force and Air Defense Forces Training Ground (unit 42276), and the 927th UAV Training and Application Center (unit 97085), led by Lieutenant Colonel Maxim Yaromsky. These sites provide live-fire, tactical, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) training environments, supporting the development of both manned and unmanned aviation capabilities.
Central Command and Control
The Central Command Post of the Air Force and Air Defence Forces (unit 07147) serves as the nerve center for operational command, control, and coordination. This facility integrates real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data to support decision-making and the effective deployment of air and air defense assets.
Missile and Technical Support Bases
The 1562nd Anti-Aircraft Technical Missile Base (unit 64608) is responsible for the storage, maintenance, and technical support of missile systems used by the air defense regiments and brigade. This base plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability and availability of missile assets, directly impacting the overall effectiveness of the national air defense network.