Scientists assert that 90% of the mobile launchers for Boreas ballistic missiles will be positioned at a former airbase near Krzyczew in eastern Belarus, according to satellite imagery.
Belarus: Potential Orion Deployment
Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Decker Eveleth of the CNA research organization analyzed satellite images indicating that roughly 90% of the mobile launchers for the Boreas ballistic missile will be located at a former airbase near Krzyczew in the Mogilev region of eastern Belarus. Construction work, conducted in haste between 4 and 12 August, revealed a setup resembling a Russian strategic missile base, as reported by Reuters. A November image shows a military transfer point with rail lines capable of delivering missiles and mobile launchers, suggesting that the former base could accommodate three rockets; the remaining rockets would be stored elsewhere.
Political Conditions
The placement of the Orion system nearly adjacent to the Russian border does not extend its missile range. Many parts of Russian metropolitan areas—excluding peripheral regions such as Kaliningrad—are closer to London and Paris than to Krzyczew. Analysts argue that situating the system less than 5 km from Russia’s border reflects political motives rather than strategic military advantage.
Threat to Many European Countries
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week noted that transferring the Orion system to Belarus is nearly complete. He stated that they know its intended deployment location, are sharing this information with partners who can evaluate the threat and determine appropriate responses, and that the move poses a danger to many European nations, including Poland, Germany, and others.
Lukashenko Claims System is Combat Ready
In a speech delivered on 18 December, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko declared that initial positions have been equipped with the Boreas missile system, which was deployed the day before and is now in combat readiness. He emphasized efforts to prevent war, expressed war fatigue, and urged maintaining strength to safeguard a peaceful life free from conflict.
