Luninets (air base) explained

Luninets
Ensign:Flag of the Belarusian Air Force.svg
Ensign Size:100px
Location:Luninets, Brest Region
Country:Belarus
Pushpin Map:Belarus
Pushpin Map Caption:Shown within Belarus
Pushpin Label:Luninets
Ownership:Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus
Operator:Air Force and Air Defence Forces of the Republic of Belarus
Used:Unknown - present
Battles:2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Footnotes:[1]
Icao:UMNL
Elevation:144m (472feet)
R1-Number:11/29
R1-Length:2500m (8,200feet)
R1-Surface:Concrete

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

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

External links

Notes and References

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