Russia's Three New Secret Military Bases: A Look at Crimea, Ladoga, and the White Sea

Russia's New Military Installations

According to Главком: Analyst H.I. Sutton has reported that since 2022, Russia has constructed three identical military bases of unknown purpose in Crimea, on Lake Ladoga, and on the White Sea coast. The strategic locations and secretive nature of these facilities have raised significant concerns among Western security observers. Their construction coincides with Russia's broader military modernization efforts following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Description of the Bases

• The first base: is located in occupied Crimea at the site of the former Central Storage Base No. 712 for nuclear weapons, near Krasnokamyanka. Site preparation began in October 2022, with the first inflatable hangar erected in November of that year. The facility became operational in July 2024 and features three inflatable arched hangars, a complex of blue maritime containers, and a smaller bermed container. It is situated approximately 10 km from the city of Sudak.
• The second base: is situated on Lake Ladoga, about 50 km from Saint Petersburg, on the grounds of the abandoned Nyasino tank range. The site was cleared in August 2022, and the first hangar was built in October 2022. It includes one bermed concrete pad and three other structures located 300 meters from the main complex.
• The third base: was deployed at the Nenoksa test range in the Arkhangelsk region on the White Sea coast, a site used for testing the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile. Work on the Nenoksa object began in July 2023 and was completed by September 2023. Notably, one Burevestnik missile exploded at this range in 2019, an incident that caused international alarm.

All three sites are secured by a perimeter of two rows of fencing and have substantial lightning protection. However, satellite imagery shows no visible personnel activity, support buildings, or logistical infrastructure. This secrecy follows a previous major data leak in Russia, where 2 million documents detailing the complete schematics of a Strategic Rocket Forces base in the city of Yasny were published online. These developments underscore the critical need for continued monitoring of Russian military activities in these sensitive regions.

The deployment of new Russian military bases in strategically vital areas raises concerns about a potential escalation in military presence and activity related to nuclear security. - H.I. Sutton

Amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and heightened international tensions, these factors could significantly impact regional security. Monitoring the purpose and activity of such facilities remains crucial for assessing potential threats and formulating appropriate response strategies by the international community.

The establishment of these military bases is part of a larger strategy that includes advancements in Russia's nuclear capabilities, which could have significant implications for global security. Understanding the potential risks associated with Russia's ambitions in orbital nuclear technology provides crucial context to the ongoing developments in military infrastructure.