Satellite images reveal an expansive new complex that is taking shape. Experts say it has the hallmarks of high-security biological research facilities.
The Washington Post reported that satellite images over the past two-year period have shown an unusual expansion in construction at an abandoned facility near the military city of Sergiev Posad-6. This facility housed an older Soviet biolaboratory.
Satellite images show that Russia has expanded a closed facility near Moscow. This is a sign of a potentially alarming change in Russia’s biological research capabilities. Former US defense officials have interpreted the expansion of this military-affiliated facility, combined with recent statements by Russian defense officials regarding enhancing biological threats responses, as a possible warning signal from Moscow during escalating tensions.
Journalists analyzed images provided by Google Earth as well as commercial firms Maxar and Planet Labs. WP notes that the unusual activity began at the site around May 2022. This was a few months following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The images show construction machinery renovating an older Soviet laboratory and laying foundations for ten new buildings. WP reports that some of them have the characteristics of biolaboratories, which are designed to work with dangerous pathogens.
The journalists showed the satellite images also to several experts including current and ex-US intelligence, military, and biological defense officials. They noted several features that, taken together, indicated a highly-defensive biological facility.
The unusually large number of air handling units in the four buildings is one indication. Experts say that this is typical of high security laboratories. The site also has a tall building, which experts believe to be a small power plant. Photos taken in April and may 2023 show construction of an underground tunnel that connects it to the lab.
Other photos taken in the construction phase of an of the buildings show internal compartments. This layout is consistent with “maximum containment”, according to experts.
The Russian military didn’t hide the construction of the facility. Sergei Borisevich of the 48th Central Research Institute of the Russian Defense Ministry told the Krasnaya Zvezda in April 2024 that construction of a “new unique research cluster” including laboratory buildings was to be completed by the end the year. According to Borisevich, this will allow “even more rapid response to threats of a biologic nature.”
Andrew Weber, former top Pentagon official in charge of nonproliferation who investigated Soviet biological weapon facilities in the 1990s believes that Moscow is warning its adversaries about possible use.
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