35th Special Objects Maintenance Directorate (General Staff Reserve Command Post)
Location Analysis
The 35th Special Objects Maintenance Directorate, associated with military unit 33877, operates multiple sites in the Moscow Oblast region, notably within the vicinity of Chekhov. Designations such as Chekhov-3, Chekhov-4, and Object 201 indicate distinct facilities or sub-sites under unified command. The sites are strategically positioned south of Moscow, leveraging the region's established military infrastructure and proximity to key transportation corridors, while maintaining a degree of concealment and security consistent with high-priority command and control functions.
Operational Purpose
The primary function of the 35th Special Objects Maintenance Directorate is the management, maintenance, and operational readiness of critical command posts and communications nodes for the Russian General Staff Reserve. These facilities are designed to ensure the continuity of government and military command in crisis scenarios, including nuclear contingencies. The Directorate’s remit includes the technical upkeep of hardened underground complexes and the associated communications infrastructure.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The Directorate's sites are characterized by extensive underground facilities, reinforced against both conventional and nuclear threats. Infrastructure includes deep-buried command posts, secure communications nodes, and independent power and life-support systems. The communications node referenced is equipped with redundant, multi-band communications arrays, satellite uplinks, and secure landline connections, providing robust connectivity for strategic command and control.
Security and Access Controls
Access to the 35th Special Objects Maintenance Directorate’s sites is tightly controlled, with multi-layered physical security measures including perimeter fencing, electronic surveillance, and armed guard detachments. Entry to underground complexes requires multiple authentication steps, and personnel are subject to rigorous vetting. The security posture is consistent with the sites’ roles in national command continuity and strategic communications.
Strategic Significance
The Directorate’s facilities are integral to the Russian Federation’s strategic command and control architecture. Their location, construction, and operational protocols are designed to ensure survivability and functionality in the event of large-scale conflict or decapitation strikes. The existence of multiple, geographically dispersed sites under a single command structure enhances redundancy and complicates adversary targeting efforts.
Recent Developments
Open-source intelligence and satellite imagery indicate ongoing modernization efforts at several of the Directorate’s sites since 2022. Upgrades include the expansion of underground infrastructure, enhancement of electromagnetic shielding, and the integration of advanced digital communications systems. These developments reflect a sustained emphasis on ensuring the resilience and technological relevance of Russia’s strategic command facilities.