Work has begun in Moscow’s parks to prepare new sites for the S-300 and S-400 air defence systems
A new site has likely been prepared in Moskvoretsky Park in the Kuntsevo district of western Moscow to house air defence systems, according to TMT.
This conclusion was reached by OSINT analyst Mark Krutov based on satellite imagery. According to his assessment, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, at least three such sites, each covering an area of around 4.5 hectares, have been established in Moscow to house S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.
OSINT researcher Jembob also suggests that a new site for S-400 systems may be deployed on the site of a cleared forest area in Kuntsevo.
Sentinel-2 satellite imagery shows a cleared area next to the ‘Medik’ stadium on Pavlova Street. Analysts point out that this area is situated at one of the highest points in western Moscow within the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD).
According to researchers, work in the protected nature reserve began in mid-June. As of 21 June, a rectangular area measuring approximately 290 by 150 metres had already been cleared in the forest park. A path has also been cut through to it. The distance to the nearest residential buildings is around 800 metres.
Krutov notes that the prepared area is almost identical to other sites previously set up on the outskirts of Moscow. In particular, S-400 systems were previously spotted on the former experimental fields of the Timiryazev Agricultural Academy in the north of the capital. Similar facilities have also appeared between the Sokolniki and Losiny Ostrov parks, as well as in Izmailovo Forest Park.
In May, local residents protested against the felling of trees in the Moskvoretsky Forest. At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defence and the Moscow City Government have not officially commented on exactly what facility is being built in this area.
