More than 2 million internal documents found in a publicly accessible Russian procurement database have uncovered key details about the growth and modernization of Russia’s nuclear weapons infrastructure.
The leak, first reported by Danish investigative outlet Danwatch and Germany’s Der Spiegel, includes sensitive blueprints and technical layouts of facilities housing some of Moscow’s most advanced nuclear systems, including the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle.
World’s most secretive nuclear weapon sites
Among the most significant revelations are detailed architectural and engineering plans of two Strategic Missile Forces bases near Yasny in the Orenburg region.
These facilities are known to house Avangard-equipped intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), a central pillar of Russia’s strategic deterrent.
The Avangard, capable of traveling at Mach 20 and maneuvering mid-flight, is designed to bypass Western missile defenses.
“Until now, intelligence on these sites was limited to satellite imagery,” Hans M. Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, told Danwatch and Der Spiegel.
“These documents allow analysts, for the first time, to virtually enter the facilities, above and below ground. This level of insight is completely unprecedented.”
The tranche spans a decade of construction and modernization efforts, outlining extensive upgrades across Russia’s nuclear military infrastructure.
According to the leaked files, dozens of facilities were either newly constructed or extensively refurbished.
Additions include command-and-control centers, watchtowers, fortified underground tunnels, and upgraded personnel barracks.
The documents also contain diagrams of internal security systems, including surveillance sensor placements, alarm configurations, IT network layouts, and reinforced structural schematics.
The breadth of detail reaches down to signage posted inside secure areas, messages such as “Forbidden Zone: Turn Back” and “Rules for Shoe Care” are documented alongside facility power grids and ventilation plans.
Ultimate intelligence
According to Philip Ingram, a former British military intelligence officer, the release constitutes “the ultimate intelligence material.”
He told Danwatch and Der Spiegel that access to basic infrastructure knowledge, such as power flow, water supply, and physical connectivity, could expose systemic vulnerabilities.
“If an adversary understands the technical ecosystem, they can target weak points for maximum disruption,” he said.
Analysts also noted the strategic implications. Dr. Tom Røseth, an intelligence studies specialist at the Norwegian Defense Command and Staff College, warned that the leak illustrates the extent of Russia’s nuclear investment amid growing geopolitical instability.
“Understanding how far Russia has gone in modernizing its nuclear forces is essential,” he said.
“Many in Europe underestimate the changed security environment since 2022. This leak reaffirms that Russia not only possesses these weapons but has prepared its infrastructure for rapid deployment and sustained operations.”
Moscow has consistently used nuclear rhetoric to deter NATO involvement in Ukraine.
Since 2022, Russia has been changing its military approach by making it easier to use nuclear weapons, especially when it feels threatened.
The recent release of technical plans for nuclear delivery systems is both a major intelligence gain and a warning about Russia’s long-term strategic plans.
Even though the Russian government has tried to limit public access to military procurement information by moving to closed digital systems, these documents are still available because of ongoing mistakes in security measures.
Danwatch and Der Spiegel identified sensitive attachments in public tenders as recently as mid-2024, highlighting Russian defense institutions’ continued lapses in operational security.