Russia Nears Completion of Hangars Likely Intended for Tu-22M3, Tu-95, and Tu-160 at Ramenskoye Airfield Near Moscow

Satellite imagery shows that Russia is nearing completion of hangars at Ramenskoye airfield near Moscow. They are likely intended for testing Tu-22M3, Tu-95, and Tu-160 bombers.

Analysts from the AviVector group published recent imagery of the airfield.

The new construction was first identified in March 2026. The first building measures 100 × 230 × 33 meters and contains three separate hangars, each about 77 meters wide. Its annex measures 17 × 220 × 8 meters, while the second building measures 90 × 220 meters.

Possible Purpose of the Hangars

For simply housing bombers, the dimensions of the first building appear excessive. Each section, about 77 meters wide, exceeds the maximum wingspan of even the Tu-160 by approximately 21 meters, while its 100-meter depth exceeds the aircraft’s length by almost 46 meters.

The structure is 33 meters high, approximately 2.5 times the height of the largest missile-carrying aircraft. This extra space may be needed for repair and modernization work using cranes, work platforms, and other equipment.

A road connects the construction site with the Gromov Flight Research Institute, but there is no connection allowing aircraft to reach the runway.

The imagery also shows hangars made of conventional metal structures with lightweight roofs. These structures do not protect against potential drone or missile attacks.

Ramenskoye airfield is located in Zhukovsky town, Moscow region, and is part of the test infrastructure of the Mikhail Gromov Flight Research Institute. It serves experimental, government, and civil aviation. The same airfield is also home to Zhukovsky International Airport, which opened in May 2016.

Aircraft manufacturers also use the airfield for flight testing. In particular, Sukhoi’s base in Zhukovsky participated in tests of the Su-57, while Yakovlev’s facility conducts certification tests of the MC-21 and the new Superjet with Russian engines and systems. Meanwhile, a branch of the Tupolev company, which has its own production, laboratory, and testing facilities, conducts tests of experimental and upgraded Tu-160M, Tu-95MS, and Tu-22M3 aircraft.

Another hypothesis is that the new structures could be part of an expansion of the exhibition facility, whose pavilions are located directly next to the construction site. The MAKS International Aviation and Space Exhibition was held here. It was established in Zhukovsky in 1993 and was traditionally held every two years on the Gromov Flight Research Institute’s airfield.

Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the state corporation Rostec organized the exhibition, while Aviasalon handled preparations. For Russian manufacturers, it served as a platform for presenting new developments to potential customers.

The airfield featured a permanent exhibition facility for the salon, covering more than 42 hectares. More than 40,000 square meters were allocated for pavilions and exhibition chalets, while more than 45,000 square meters were designated for outdoor equipment displays. The new structures’ location next to the exhibition area suggests they could be part of its expansion.