12th Chief Directorate
Organizational Overview: 12th Main (Chief) Directorate of the Ministry of Defense
The 12th Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation (12th GUMO; often rendered in English as the 12th Chief Directorate) is the MoD’s specialized authority for custody and technical support of nuclear munitions across all service branches. Established in 1951 by decision of the USSR leadership, it remains the central organ responsible for nuclear warhead security, readiness, and life‑cycle support within the Ministry of Defense.
Headquarters, Designation, and Leadership
Headquarters are located within the Ministry of Defense complex at 19 Znamenka Street, Moscow; the directorate’s administrative designation in open sources is military unit 31600. As of 2024, the commander (head) is publicly reported as Lieutenant General Igor V. Kolesnikov. The directorate is part of the central MoD apparatus and is responsible for policy execution and technical oversight related to nuclear munitions.
Core Responsibilities and Functional Scope
The directorate’s core functions, as publicly described, include secure storage (custody) of nuclear munitions, technical maintenance and surveillance, strict accounting and physical protection, regulated transportation, delivery and issuance to operational units when authorized, and support to return, decommissioning, and disposal. It also organizes safety assurance and emergency response for incidents involving nuclear munitions.
6th State Central Scientific Research Test Site (Object 700) — Military Unit 77510
Open‑source references identify the 6th State Central Scientific Research Test Site, also referred to as Object 700 and associated with military unit 77510, as a subordinate test and evaluation center within the 12th GUMO structure. Its role is to conduct non‑nuclear testing, acceptance, and certification activities for nuclear munitions and associated components and packaging, including environmental, mechanical, and electrical checks. Specific site location data, facility layouts, and detailed test regimens are not publicly disclosed.
12th Central Research Institute — Military Unit 51105
The 12th Central Research Institute (military unit 51105) serves as the principal research institution supporting the 12th GUMO. Publicly described competencies include scientific and methodological support for nuclear warhead safety and reliability, life‑cycle surveillance and service‑life extension methodologies, radiation and environmental safety standards for storage and transport, development of technical documentation and procedures, and specialist training and expertise for technical personnel. Detailed programmatic information and facility specifics are treated as sensitive.
22nd Central Communications Center — Military Unit 16685
The 22nd Central Communications Center (military unit 16685) is a central node of the Ministry of Defense communications system that provides secure, resilient connectivity for strategic‑level command and control, including communications relevant to nuclear munitions management and authorization workflows. Functions include operation of protected fixed and mobile communications assets across wired, radio‑relay, and satellite links and ensuring continuity of communications under crisis conditions. Specific network architectures, nodes, and circuits are classified.
Storage Network and Security Measures
The 12th GUMO manages a nationwide, tiered storage system comprising centralized bases and base‑level storage and technical facilities that support the Strategic Rocket Forces, Navy, and Aerospace Forces. Security and safety measures employ layered perimeter protection, intrusion detection and access control, armed guard forces with rapid‑response elements, environmental conditioning and monitoring for warhead preservation, specialized fire protection, and rigorous inventory control. The exact locations, capacities, and guard force compositions are not publicly released.
Transportation, Escort, and Technical Safety
Transportation of nuclear munitions under 12th GUMO control uses dedicated rail and road convoys with purpose‑designed transport containers and vehicles, route confidentiality, hardened escort and response elements, and strict technical and radiation‑safety protocols. Movements occur only under formal authorization and established procedures that include pre‑mission technical checks, continuous communications, and contingency planning. Designs of transport assets, schedules, and standard operating procedures remain protected information.
Interagency Interfaces and Industrial Support
Interagency coordination is integral to the nuclear munitions life cycle. The 12th GUMO interfaces with the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom and its enterprises for warhead assembly, dismantlement, and materials handling at specialized industrial sites, and with relevant federal security and oversight bodies for counter‑intelligence and protective measures. Custody transfers between the MoD and industrial facilities occur under controlled procedures; detailed handover protocols, plant identities, and movement timetables are not publicly disclosed.
Legal and Doctrinal Context
The directorate’s activities are governed by Russian defense regulations and government acts on nuclear safety and defense organization. While internal directives are classified, the overarching framework includes state policy documents on nuclear deterrence, including Presidential Decree No. 355 of 2 June 2020 (Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence), general defense legislation, and Ministry of Defense orders that establish responsibilities for nuclear munitions custody, security, and command and control.
Unit Identifiers Referenced in Open Sources
Unit designations cited in publicly available materials include: 12th Main (Chief) Directorate — military unit 31600 (HQ Moscow); 6th State Central Scientific Research Test Site (Object 700) — military unit 77510; 12th Central Research Institute — military unit 51105; and 22nd Central Communications Center — military unit 16685. These identifiers are administrative and do not by themselves reveal locations or functions beyond what is publicly attributed.
Information Availability and Classification Constraints
Specific details on warhead quantities, storage site locations and layouts, security system specifications, communications circuits, test methodologies, and transport schedules are classified or otherwise not publicly available. Accordingly, the analysis here is limited to generalized roles and relationships that are supported by verifiable open information.