Russia likely placing new hypersonic missiles at former airbase in Belarus, researchers find

WASHINGTON –

Moscow is likely stationing new nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles at a former airbase in eastern Belarus, a development that could bolster Russia’s ability to deliver missiles across Europe, two U.S. researchers have found by studying satellite imagery.

The researchers’ assessment broadly aligns with U.S. intelligence findings, said a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share information not authorized for public release.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made clear his intention to place intermediate-range Oreshnik missiles, with an estimated range of up to 5,500 kilometers, in Belarus, but the exact location has not been previously reported.