New Russian air base to be opened in Babruisk

Russia sets up the second air base in Belarus.

It is expected to be opened in Babruisk in 2016. It will deploy Su-27 fighter jets, TASS cites Russian Air Force Commander-In-Chief Colonel General Viktor Bondarev.

“The airbase of the Russian and Belarusian Air Force will be created in 2016. Su-27 fighter jets will be based there,” Bondarev said during his three-day visit to the military facilities under construction.

He noted that Russian planes would be stationed at the military aerodrome. A technical plan for its reconstruction was already prepared, he added.

Russia decided earlier to send its 24 Su-27SM3 fighter jets to the aerodrome in Baranavochy. Bondarev said in the middle of August that the Russian Air Forces were ready to set up the base after the governments signed an agreement.

On March 12, Lukasenka proposed to station additional aircraft in Belarus. Moscow decided to send its fighter jets to Belarus as part of the united regional air defenсe system. An A-50 early warning aircraft arrived in Baranavichy, six Su-27 fighter jets and military transport planes were sent to Babruisk.

Other Russian military facilities in Belarus include a Volga-type radar station (a part of the anti-missile radar system) and a naval communication centre.