Belarus is expanding a new air assault brigade that will eventually be based in the Gomel region, around 40 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, as Minsk continues to strengthen its military presence along its southern frontier. The formation of the 37th Separate Air Assault Brigade was confirmed by the commander of Belarus's Special Operations Forces, Colonel Aliaksandr Ilyukevich, during an interview broadcast on the Defense Ministry's VoenTV channel on Tuesday (August 2).
According to Ilyukevich, officers have already been recruited, personnel have been called up, and one battalion has been established. Additional battalions, along with combat support, artillery, air defense, and reconnaissance units, are scheduled to be formed during 2026. He said the brigade would ultimately be stationed near Gomel, with a permanent deployment expected in 2027.
The new formation will become Belarus's fourth air assault brigade, joining the 103rd Brigade in Vitebsk, the 38th Brigade in Brest, and the 5th Brigade in Maryina Horka near Minsk. Belarusian officials have described the southern border as a growing security priority, citing the need to reinforce defenses in the region.
The brigade's development is accompanied by continued investment in military infrastructure. The International Strategic Action Network for Security has reported that Belarus extended state funding through 2028 for the construction of a military garrison and training facilities in the Gomel region. Construction of a new training range near the Yakimauka railway station was also reported earlier this year.
The announcement follows weeks of increased military activity near the Ukrainian border. In early July, Ukraine's State Border Guard Service said Belarus was expanding training grounds and logistical facilities close to the frontier, although it reported no significant concentration of troops at that time.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has repeatedly insisted that the deployments are defensive. On July 22, he said he had ordered special operations units to disperse along the Ukrainian border to strengthen security rather than prepare for offensive operations. He has also acknowledged personnel shortages within the armed forces, suggesting that underperforming officials and agricultural workers could be assigned to military service along the southern border.
While Lukashenko continues to state that Belarus has no intention of entering the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian officials have maintained that Russia is seeking to increase Minsk's military involvement and tie down Ukrainian forces along the northern border.
Source: commonspace.eu with Kyiv Post (Kyiv) and United24 (Kyiv).
