Unpublished satellite images obtained by the Finnish satellite company Iceye reveal that Russia is heavily expanding Kaliningrad into a major hub for reconnaissance and electronic warfare. According to the report cited by the FAZ, a massive Over-the-Horizon (OTH) radar is currently being constructed at Gwardeisk. This radar has the capability to track aircraft and missiles up to 900 to 3,000 kilometers away, encompassing territories like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Specific satellite footage from late August showed the construction of three antenna arrays on site, each exceeding 500 meters in length. These arrays connect in a star pattern, and the facility is double-fenced.
Iceye data indicates that Kaliningrad currently hosts more than 20 sites dedicated to signal and electronic warfare. Ongoing development includes the new OTH radar, as well as a large circular antenna complex near Tschernjachowsk. A detailed report by Iceye on security developments in the Baltic Sea region reveals that these facilities collectively give Russia numerous capabilities to monitor regional activities, ranging from intercepting satellite communications to detecting both aircraft movements and ballistic missile launches.
Furthermore, the satellite images show that Russia is constructing new barracks, storage facilities, and training grounds in both Karelia and the Leningrad Military District. For example, an equipment depot north of Petrosawodsk has been restored. By using automated detection systems, Iceye also determined that the launch mechanisms at a mobile S-400 ground-to-air missile site near Baltijsk have been raised, suggesting the system has been made operational.
Satellite monitoring has also documented regular convoys carrying military cargo across the East Sea, reportedly transporting goods to Libya. These convoys are accompanied by warships, provide false target locations, and use their Automatic Identification System (AIS) only sporadically, seemingly attempting to mask their routes. However, their positions are being tracked via satellite.
Specific data from Iceye tracks a sanctioned, Russian-flagged Ro-Ro cargo ship, the “Sparta”, as it sailed from the port of Baltijsk (Kaliningrad) to Tartus in Syria and back. The ship was consistently escorted by the Udaloy-class destroyer “Admiral Lewtschenko”, alongside the tanker “General Skobelew” and the supply vessel “Akademik Paschin”. Although the “Sparta” indicated Port Said, Egypt, as its destination on the way south, the report states that the vessel disabled its AIS at Gibraltar and instead proceeded to Syria.
