3783rd Complex Logistics Base
Unit Identification
The 3783rd Complex Logistics Base, military unit 96131, is an identified formation within the Russian Armed Forces logistics (material-technical support, MTO) system. Subordinate structural elements include the 4th Branch of the 3783rd Complex Logistics Base, military unit 96131-4, and the 18th Branch of the 3783rd Complex Logistics Base, military unit 96131-18. The hyphenated suffixes denote branches administratively subordinate to the parent unit. In Russian, the designations appear as 3783-я комплексная логистическая база (в/ч 96131), 4-й филиал 3783-й КЛБ (в/ч 96131-4), and 18-й филиал 3783-й КЛБ (в/ч 96131-18).
Organizational Context within the Russian MTO System
Complex logistics bases are core elements of the Russian Armed Forces MTO architecture established during reforms from the late 2000s into the 2010s to centralize storage, handling, and distribution of multiple classes of supply. Such bases operate under the logistics (rear services) chain of command at the military district level and support army- and corps-level formations with centralized warehousing, distribution, and throughput management. Branches extend the base’s footprint to multiple localities, allowing regional dispersion and proximity to supported formations and transport nodes.
Mission Profile and Core Functions
The mission set for a complex logistics base includes receiving, storing, accounting, and issuing material across several supply classes; forming shipments for tactical and operational units; maintaining reserve stocks (including non-reducible and mobilization reserves as directed); packaging and containerization; and limited repair, calibration, and technical support of materiel. Interfaces typically exist with specialized depots for sensitive items (e.g., missile and ammunition directorate facilities) and with fuel storage and pipeline troops for petroleum, oils, and lubricants, depending on the region’s distribution scheme. Exact commodity mix for military unit 96131 and its branches is not publicly disclosed.
Branch Structure and Administrative Notes
The 4th Branch (military unit 96131-4) and the 18th Branch (military unit 96131-18) are administrative and operational subdivisions of the 3783rd Complex Logistics Base. In Russian practice, numbered branches function as physically separate sites or compound groupings controlled by the parent base, executing assigned storage, processing, and issuance tasks. Branch chiefs are subordinate to the base commander. Publicly available sources do not provide authoritative details on the specialization, staff strength, or exact commodity categories handled by these specific branches.
Location Status and Public Sourcing
Authoritative open sources do not provide confirmed geospatial coordinates or street addresses for military unit 96131, 96131-4, or 96131-18. Where such information exists publicly for Russian units, it is most commonly found in state procurement notices, employment postings, or court documents; however, as of the latest open-source reporting available, verifiable location data for these specific units is limited or not published. Any precise locational, inventory, or capacity data that may exist in official channels would likely be restricted or classified.
Infrastructure and Capabilities Profile
Complex logistics bases generally comprise a guarded perimeter with controlled access, rail and road transshipment nodes, covered warehouses of varying climatic categories, open hardstand storage, container yards, loading docks with cranes and forklifts, weighbridges, fuel handling infrastructure if assigned POL responsibilities, maintenance and packaging shops, administrative buildings, and emergency-response assets. Fire safety infrastructure (hydrants, reservoirs, specialized firefighting equipment) and hazardous-material handling areas are standard features. The specific infrastructure layout, capacities, and facility counts for the 3783rd base and its branches are not available in open sources.
Transport Connectivity and Throughput
Russian complex logistics bases are typically integrated with the national 1520 mm rail network via on-site spurs and loading platforms and have access to federal and regional highways for motor transport using KamAZ and Ural family trucks, semitrailers, and containerized loads. Multi-modal handling enables palletized and containerized distribution to supported units and forward supply points. For military unit 96131 and branches 96131-4 and 96131-18, no open-source data specify railcar or vehicle throughput, siding length, or daily handling capacity.
Supply Classes and Handling Considerations
In the Russian MTO system, complex logistics bases may handle multiple supply classes, including food and water, clothing and general property, engineer materiel, POL, and other commodities. Ammunition and missile items are usually managed by dedicated depots under the Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU) with separate safety regimes; a complex logistics base may interface with those depots but does not necessarily store Class V items on-site. The exact supply classes handled at the 3783rd base and its 4th and 18th branches have not been disclosed publicly.
Security, Safety, and Compliance
Standard measures at Russian logistics installations include perimeter fencing, watchtowers or elevated observation points, lighting, restricted zones, guard forces, and access control with visitor and cargo verification. Facilities handling hazardous materials implement separation distances, earth berms or blast walls for dangerous goods, and dedicated firefighting provisions. Compliance is governed by Russian defense standards and safety regulations for storage and transport of controlled items. Specific security force composition, guard schedules, and internal security procedures for the 3783rd base and its branches are not publicly available.
Operational Role in Force Sustainment
Complex logistics bases form a backbone of operational and strategic sustainment by consolidating stocks at district level and pushing materiel to army and brigade supply points and onward to units. They support the establishment of forward distribution nodes during large-scale operations and can surge shipments in response to operational tempo. While this describes the doctrinal role of such bases, there is no open-source confirmation of specific operations, shipment volumes, or campaign-specific activities attributable to military unit 96131 or its 4th and 18th branches.
OSINT Indicators and Imagery Signatures
Observable features commonly associated with complex logistics bases include extensive warehouse blocks with standardized rooflines, open storage pads with stacked pallets or containers, rail spurs with loading ramps and cranes, high vehicle traffic of cargo trucks and trailers, fuel tank farms with pump houses if POL is handled, and segregated hazardous-material zones. Signage rarely displays military unit numbers openly. Corroboration usually relies on cross-referencing procurement identifiers, utility and construction permits, and transport-linked infrastructure in satellite imagery. No publicly verified imagery attribution has been established for these specific unit numbers.
Information Availability and Classification
Details such as exact locations, personnel strength, inventory composition and volumes, throughput rates, internal layouts, and security procedures for the 3783rd Complex Logistics Base (military unit 96131) and its 4th and 18th branches are not published in authoritative open sources. Such information, where maintained by the Russian Ministry of Defense, would generally be restricted or classified. Any claims beyond the structural and doctrinal roles of complex logistics bases would be speculative without documentary or imagery-backed evidence.
Summary of Established Facts
The 3783rd Complex Logistics Base (military unit 96131) is a designated logistics formation within the Russian Armed Forces MTO system, with at least two identified subordinate entities: the 4th Branch (military unit 96131-4) and the 18th Branch (military unit 96131-18). Complex logistics bases serve as district-level hubs for storage and distribution of multiple supply classes and operate a branched structure to extend regional coverage. For these specific units, precise location, infrastructure capacities, and operational details are not substantiated in publicly accessible, authoritative sources.