World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Satellite images show Russian storage bases filling with armored vehicles
Satellite imagery reviewed by open-source researchers shows Russian storage bases filling with armored vehicles again after many were largely emptied during the war in Ukraine.
One example is the 22nd tank reserve base in Kostroma region, where images show new T-90M tanks and BTR-82A armored vehicles arriving between October 2025 and October 2026.
Another base in Altai region has also gained equipment, though researchers say the images do not allow them to identify it all with confidence.
Russia’s factories have continued to produce and repair tanks and other armored vehicles, while drones have made heavy equipment more vulnerable on the battlefield.
The vehicles may be building up strategic reserves, but the available evidence does not establish whether Russia is preparing for a new offensive.
The bases are for long-term storage, not active combat units, and researchers will continue monitoring them.
Satellite images show Russian storage bases receiving new and repaired armored vehicles and artillery.
At the 22nd Central Tank Reserve Base in Kostroma region, T-90M tanks and BTR-82A armored personnel carriers arrived between October 2025 and October 2026.
The 349th Central Tank Storage Base in Topchikha, Altai Krai, has also received additional equipment.
The reports describe the sites as long-term storage bases, not facilities for active combat units.
Researchers say the buildup may reflect efforts to replenish Russia’s strategic reserves, but its purpose is not confirmed.
- Who
- Russia is storing armored vehicles and artillery; OSINT researcher Jonpy identified some of the buildup.
- What
- Satellite images show storage bases filling with new and repaired military equipment.
- When
- The reported increase at the 22nd base occurred between October 2025 and October 2026; Jonpy flagged activity at the 349th base in June 2026.
- Where
- At Russian storage bases, including the 22nd base in Buy, Kostroma region, and the 349th base in Topchikha, Altai Krai.
- Why
- The reports suggest the buildup is replenishing strategic reserves; whether it is preparation for an offensive is not confirmed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Jonpy noted equipment at the 349th Central Tank Storage Base in Topchikha after reviewing satellite images.
A satellite image showed the 22nd Central Tank Reserve Base before the reported increase in equipment.
A satellite image showed the 22nd base filled with new T-90M tanks and BTR-82A vehicles.
Reports described Russian storage bases as receiving new and repaired military equipment.
- 22nd base
- Central Tank Reserve Base in Buy, Kostroma region
- 22nd base equipment
- T-90M tanks and BTR-82A armored personnel carriers
- 349th base
- Central Tank Storage Base in Topchikha, Altai Krai
- Reported comparison
- Satellite images dated 18 October 2025 and 3 October 2026
- Other reported equipment
- BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicles and armored recovery vehicles
3 sources
Россия вновь стала накапливать бронетехнику на ранее опустевших базах хранения, отмечают западные исследователи, изучившие спутниковые снимки
Запасы для новой войны? Россия наполняет новыми танками базы хранения
Россия накапливает большие запасы бронетехники и артиллерии в рамках подготовки к крупному наступлению?
What people are saying
Хотя качество снимков не лучшее и надежно идентифицировать технику невозможно, очевидно, что за последние недели на эту базу завезли еще до нескольких сотен единиц техники
Posts on X
...and also the 6018th with BMP-3Ms and BMD-4Ms and the 349th likely getting refurbished T-72B3Ms and BMP-2 (I'm not so sure on this one in particular, this might just have been a consolidation efforts shipped in from some other storage facility).