Russia’s Largest Storage Depot Is Suddenly Declining 3 Times Quicker – 20…

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September 27, 2024

Russia’s Largest Storage Depot Is Suddenly Declining 3 Times Quicker – 20 September 2024 Imagery

Video Summary

As I delved into the largest Russian tank storage base, the 769, I was struck by the significant changes that have taken place since the war began. Initially, I used an older image, but I was fortunate to acquire a newer, higher-resolution one, just three days old, which provided a more accurate picture of the base’s present state.

As I worked on a detailed 3D model of the base, I noticed that it’s comprised of three separate sections: the North, South, and Center, each with its own security fence. This compartmentalization may be due to the base’s mountainous and uneven terrain or the complex history of the area, dating back to the 1960s, when the Soviets were moving forces east to counter the perceived Chinese threat.

I spent hours tracing out the security fences, noticing how the base had changed over time. The early 2000s saw the Southern section storing reserve vehicles, the Northern section holding better-maintained vehicles, and the top Northern section being completely sectioned off by 2010. However, by 2008, Russia began to reorganize its military, reducing the number of units and closing many storage bases like this one.

The base’s current condition is a stark contrast to its past. In 2011, it was packed with tanks, but in 2012, Russia began destroying over 10,000 tanks. This misconception about Russia having tens of thousands of tanks still persists, despite the actual data being old.

Recent observations have shown a substantial decline in the number of tanks, with a 48% drop from September 2023 to May 2024, and an even more pronounced 79% drop from May to September 2024. This accelerated decline may be linked to the Russian military’s need to maintain a smaller, more efficient force.

The base’s armored fighting vehicles, mostly BMPs, remain in a dismal state, with many showing signs of neglect. Only about 160 tanks could be restored to working condition, and the majority of the remaining ones are in poor shape. The recent rate of decline is likely due to replacements of losses, rather than just changes in the Russian military’s mobilization strategy.

Russia’s reliance on T-62s and BMP-1s, both produced over 60 years ago, puts it at a disadvantage, as the Russian military struggles to maintain its capabilities with an aging fleet. As the decline continues, Russia is increasingly left with less capable vehicles, making its military position more challenging.