Northwestern Operational Command
Location Analysis
The Northwestern Operational Command is headquartered in Borisov, a strategically significant city in Belarus. The location provides operational depth for the command's units, with proximity to major transportation corridors and logistical hubs. The region’s infrastructure supports rapid deployment and sustainment of mechanized and artillery forces, enhancing the command’s ability to project power within the northwestern theater.
Command Structure and Leadership
The Northwestern Operational Command is under the leadership of Major General Alexander Naumenko. The command structure integrates mechanized, artillery, air defense, engineering, communications, electronic warfare, and logistics units, enabling comprehensive combined-arms operations. The presence of specialized regiments and battalions underlines a robust command-and-control framework designed for both defensive and offensive operations.
Mechanized Forces Capabilities
The 19th Separate Guards Mechanized Brigade (military unit 71327) and the 120th Separate Guards Mechanized Brigade (military unit 04147) form the core of the command’s armored and mechanized strength. These brigades are equipped with T-72B and T-72B3 main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, and BTR-82A armored personnel carriers. The combination of legacy and modernized platforms provides flexibility in both maneuver and firepower, suitable for high-intensity conflict scenarios.
Artillery and Fire Support Assets
Artillery support is provided by the 310th Separate Artillery Group (military unit 28212) and the 231st Artillery Brigade (military unit 22313). These formations are equipped with 2S1 Gvozdika and 2S5 Giatsint self-propelled howitzers, as well as 2A65 Msta-B towed howitzers. This diverse artillery portfolio enables the command to deliver both direct and indirect fire support, with capabilities for counter-battery operations and deep-strike missions.
Air Defense Capabilities
The 740th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (military unit 15847), commanded by Colonel Oleg Mikhailovich Slaykovsky, is equipped with the 9K33 Osa short-range surface-to-air missile system. This regiment provides point and area air defense coverage for critical assets and maneuver formations, enhancing survivability against low- and medium-altitude aerial threats.
Engineering and Support Units
The 7th Engineer Regiment (military unit 25849) is responsible for combat engineering tasks, including fortification construction, obstacle emplacement, and mobility support. The 60th Separate Communications Regiment (military unit 19293) ensures robust command, control, and communications (C3) capabilities, while the 814th Maintenance Center (military unit 32377) and the 110th Separate Logistics Regiment (military unit 59884) provide essential sustainment, repair, and supply functions.
Electronic Warfare and Training Assets
Electronic warfare capabilities are delivered by the 10th Separate EW Battalion (military unit 17832) and the 228th Separate EW Regiment (military unit 32404), supporting signals intelligence, electronic attack, and countermeasures. Training and readiness are maintained at the 227th Combined Arms Training Grounds (military unit 33196) and the 11th Tank Training Regiment (military unit 03336), which facilitate unit-level and combined-arms exercises, ensuring operational proficiency.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The Northwestern Operational Command benefits from a well-developed military infrastructure, including garrison facilities, maintenance depots, and training ranges. The integration of logistics, maintenance, and training assets within the operational area enhances force readiness and sustainability, supporting both routine operations and rapid mobilization requirements.
Force Readiness and Modernization
The presence of modernized equipment such as the T-72B3 main battle tank and BTR-82A armored personnel carrier indicates ongoing efforts to upgrade operational capabilities. Regular training cycles, combined with the support of specialized regiments, contribute to high levels of combat readiness. The command’s structure and assets position it as a key component for regional security and rapid response operations.