Russia Begins Modernization of Severomorsk-3 Air Base and Petrozavodsk Airport

Satellite imagery indicates that Russia has begun reconstruction of the Severomorsk-3 naval air base and modernization of the military infrastructure at Petrozavodsk Airport.

OSINT analyst AviVector reported on this on X.

A full reconstruction of the 2,500-meter runway at Severomorsk-3 began in 2025, four years behind schedule.

In the same year, six protected shelters were built in the central part of the air base for MiG-29K and Su-33 naval aircraft, as well as Su-25 attack aircraft.

In 2026, construction of seven more aircraft hangars began in the northern and southern parts of the air base.

The modernization of the Severomorsk-3 air base is part of the plan to develop the Russian Armed Forces’ airfield network in the Arctic region until 2030.

According to the plan, within the Northern Fleet’s area of responsibility, from 2022 to 2030, Russia is to build two airfields — Nagurskoye and Temp — and reconstruct seven more: Severomorsk-3, Severomorsk-2, Severomorsk-1, Rogachevo, Talagi, Kipelovo, and the Safonovo hydrofoil.

The new Nagurskoye and Temp airfields should be able to accommodate all types of long-haul, transport, and naval aircraft, in particular, to simplify the delivery of weapons and cargo for various purposes to the islands of the Arctic archipelagos.

Starting in April 2026, construction of six protected air shelters began in the southwestern part of Petrozavodsk Airport.

Around the same time, two Su-57 aircraft started performing regular training flights over the Republic of Karelia from this airport.

In June 2026, construction of three more aircraft hangars began in the northeastern part of the airport.

In its annual threat assessment report in early 2026, the Norwegian Security Service (PST) stated that it expects a significant increase in Russian espionage and sabotage activity in the country and the Arctic region in 2026.