Russia builds massive radar complex in Kaliningrad near NATO borders

Kaliningrad over-the-horizon radar NATO security Russian military electronic warfare

Russia is nearing the completion of a massive over-the-horizon radar station in the Kaliningrad enclave, located approximately 37 kilometers from the Polish border and 64 kilometers from Lithuania. Satellite imagery from ICEYE reveals three antenna rows, each exceeding 500 meters in length, near the town of Gvardeysk.

The facility is believed to be similar to the Russian 29B6 Konteyner system, which uses shortwave radio waves reflected off the ionosphere to detect objects beyond the horizon. This technology could allow Moscow to monitor aircraft, missiles, and ships at distances of up to 3,000 kilometers, potentially covering much of Europe and the Atlantic Ocean. According to military analysts, the system could simultaneously track up to 10,000 aerial targets, including F-35 fighter jets.

Construction of the site reportedly began in March 2023. Experts note that while the radar provides a strategic advantage by offering early warning and more decision-making time in a potential conflict with NATO, its enormous size also makes it a significant target for counterstrikes. Additionally, a second large radar structure in the shape of a ring, with a diameter of over 1,600 meters, is being constructed near Chernyakhovsk.

Entities

Iceye · Kaliningrad · NATO · Russia · Vaidotas Malinionis

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The system is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 10,000 aerial targets, including F-35 aircraft. www.info.sk · e-news.cz · www.ta3.com · www.pravda.sk
[● 2 SOURCES] A second radar structure in the shape of a ring with a diameter of over 1,600 meters is being built near Chernyakhovsk. www.ta3.com · www.pravda.sk
[● 5 SOURCES] The radar has a planned detection range of up to 3,000 kilometers. www.info.sk · e-news.cz · radiosarajevo.ba · www.ta3.com · www.pravda.sk
[● 4 SOURCES] Construction of the facility began in March 2023. www.info.sk · e-news.cz · www.ta3.com · www.pravda.sk
[● 5 SOURCES] The radar complex features three antenna rows, each measuring more than 500 meters. www.info.sk · e-news.cz · radiosarajevo.ba · www.ta3.com · www.pravda.sk
[● 6 SOURCES] Russia is constructing a massive radar station in the Kaliningrad region. www.info.sk · e-news.cz · radiosarajevo.ba · www.ta3.com · www.wnp.pl · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The facility is located approximately 37 kilometers from the Polish border. www.info.sk · e-news.cz · radiosarajevo.ba · www.ta3.com · www.pravda.sk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The UK government is monitoring the construction of the radar facility in Kaliningrad. www.libertaddigital.com