Luninets is a reserve air base of the Air Force and Air Defence Forces of the Republic of Belarus located in Luninets, Brest Region.

Luninets
Luninets, Brest Region in Belarus
Luninets is located in Belarus
Luninets
Luninets
Shown within Belarus
Coordinates52°16′30″N 026°46′30″E / 52.27500°N 26.77500°E / 52.27500; 26.77500
Site information
OwnerMinistry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus
OperatorAir Force and Air Defence Forces of the Republic of Belarus
Site history
In useUnknown - present
Battles/wars2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Airfield information
IdentifiersICAO: UMNL
Elevation144 metres (472 ft) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
11/29 2,500 metres (8,202 ft) Concrete
[1]

The airfield was a fighter-bomber training area during the Cold War. It was home to the 1169th BRAT (1169th Aviation Equipment Reserve Base) flying Mil Mi-8 and Mil Mi-24 helicopters.

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine the 18th Guards Assault Aviation Regiment was deployed here using Sukhoi Su-25s from Chernigovka (air base).[2][3][4][5] These were supported by the 266th Assault Aviation Regiment with their Sukhoi Su-25's from Step (air base).[6]

In early October 2022 it was reported that Russia had deployed approximately 20 Shahed-136 drones to the base.[7]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Airport record for Luninets Airport at Landings.com. Retrieved 2013-08-08
  2. ^ "Latest Satellite Photos Show Increased Russian Military Activity Near Ukraine". Radiofreeeurope/Radioliberty. RadioFreeEurope Radio Liberty. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  3. ^ "These satellite images show Russia has Ukraine surrounded". ABC News. ABC AUS. 23 February 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  4. ^ "Commercial satellites test the rules of war in Russia-Ukraine conflict". Washington Post. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  5. ^ "New satellite images show advanced Russian military deployments in Belarus". CNN. 6 February 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  6. ^ AirForces Monthly. Stamford, Lincolnshire, England: Key Publishing Ltd. December 2022. p. 30.
  7. ^ "Ukraine's military: Kamikaze drones arrive in Belarus". The Kyiv Independent. 8 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.

External links edit