Giant radar under construction in Kaliningrad could extend Russian surveillance across nearly all of Europe

Construction of a large long-range radar complex is nearly finished near Gvardeysk in Russia's Kaliningrad region, the Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea. Security experts estimate the system could observe objects roughly 3,000 kilometres away, covering almost all of Europe and the whole of Ukraine. That would substantially widen Moscow's intelligence-gathering reach and bears on the security of NATO members, including those in the Baltic region. The Lithuanian outlet Lrytas.lt reported the story.

What satellite images show

The images show a complex of three structures stretching in different directions, each longer than 500 metres. It is being built on the grounds of a forested nature reserve. Russia has not officially confirmed the construction.

Vaidotas Malinionis, a retired Lithuanian officer and security expert, told Deutsche Welle that the radar would be able to see objects beyond the curvature of the Earth. He said the system could intercept satellite communications, detect aircraft movements and spot ballistic missiles. Whether it will work as intended is not yet known, he said, but it is certainly being built.

The Finnish-Polish space and defence technology company ICEYE, as cited by The Times, describes such systems as designed mainly for intercepting and jamming electronic signals. Malinionis adds that the radar could also be used in offensive operations, since it would give Russia more information on targets, such as the movements of NATO troops.

Other military sites in the region

Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, citing ICEYE data, reports another large circular antenna complex about 50 kilometres west of Gvardeysk, near Chernyakhovsk. More than 20 signals-intelligence and electronic-warfare sites are reportedly located across the region. Images also show new fighter-jet shelters at the Kaliningrad-Chkalovsk military airfield and S-400 air-defence launcher positions at Baltiysk.

Analyst view

Evija Djatkovica, a Latvian geopolitical analyst, says the radar would help Russia fix gaps in detecting low-flying objects, which could reduce the effectiveness of drones. She warns of further militarisation on both sides and urges the West to strengthen deterrence. As an example she cites Poland, which is adapting Baltic Sea wind-farm infrastructure for NATO surveillance, and the cooperation between Rheinmetall and ICEYE on radar satellites; the first are planned to reach orbit in early 2027.