Satellite reveals deployment location of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus
American researchers have identified the base in Krichev as the location where Russia has deployed its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile system, which is within strategic range of Europe.
Based on analysis of commercial satellite imagery from Planet Labs, Western military experts have identified a likely location in Belarus where Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic missiles are being stockpiled. This is a significant military move that could alter the security landscape in Eastern Europe.
Identifying strategic locations through satellite imagery.
Two researchers, Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Decker Eveleth of CNA, are 90% certain that the mobile Oreshnik launchers will be located at a former air base near Krichev. This location is approximately 307 km east of the capital Minsk and 478 km southwest of Moscow.
Satellite data revealed an emergency construction project underway from August 4th to 12th. The infrastructure features at the site perfectly match the structure of a strategic missile base for the Russian military.
Technical infrastructure analysis based on
Expert Decker Eveleth points out a key detail in the November 19th photograph: a "military-grade rail transit point" surrounded by a strict security fence. This is where missiles, mobile launchers, and technical components are transported by train to the base.
At the end of the runway, researchers discovered a large, freshly poured concrete slab that had been covered with soil for camouflage. Jeffrey Lewis assessed this as a missile launch site designed to avoid Western observation. The researchers' assessment generally aligns with the findings of US intelligence.
The combat capabilities of the Oreshnik system
The Oreshnik is Russia's newest medium-range missile, having undergone combat testing in November 2024. Moscow claims intercepting this weapon is impossible due to its speed exceeding Mach 10. With an estimated range of up to 5,500 km, the system can reach most strategic targets in Europe from Belarusian territory.
Although Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that Russia plans to deploy a total of 10 Oreshnik missiles, American experts believe that the current Krichev base only has enough space for 3 launchers. This suggests that the remaining launchers may be located in other secret locations.
Military counterweight in Europe
John Foreman, an expert from Chatham House and former British defense attaché in Moscow, believes the deployment of Oreshnik is a direct response by Russia to the US plan to place Dark Eagle medium-range hypersonic missiles in Germany by 2025.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin stated that the acquisition of Oreshnik does not alter the balance of power but is a necessary response to actions from the West. Neither Russia nor Belarus has yet issued an official comment on the specific coordinates recently published by the American researchers.