Soviet Nuclear Warhead Storage Depot, Hungary

This Soviet Nuclear Warhead Storage Depot is in Hungary. The history of this base contains a lot of uncertainty. Originally it was an ammunition storage depot for the Hungarian Army. In the late 1950s the site came under Soviet Army control. Initially, the Soviets continued use the site as an ammunition stockpiling area. Subsequently, this was repurposed into a Nuclear Storage Depot in the 1980s. The base became abandoned when the Soviets withdrew in the 1990s.

We visited this location during the Seeing Red Tour 2019.

Repurposing the ammunition Soviet Nuclear Warhead Storage Depot in the 1980s

The ammunition depot underwent repurposing during the late 1970s and 1980s. At this time preparations for nuclear warhead storage occurred. These devastating weapons require secure storage, in fortified underground areas. To this end, 5-meter long concrete storage tunnels were built. There are three in total. Estimates suggest each area would be able to hold 21 warheads. Two 10-ton steel blast doors protected each repository. Unfortunately, these have since been pilfered.

Declassified American/NATO maps call this site a “nuclear warhead storage site”. Despite this, it is not certain that nuclear warheads were stored here. That fact appears lost to the decades.

From mushroom clouds to mushroom farm

These bases became abandoned when the Soviets retreated in the 1990s. Any nuclear warheads were also removed. Interestingly, these storage areas were then used to grow mushrooms. Nearly 80 tonnes of tasty fungi grew in these air-conditioned tunnels. Certainly not as a dramatic as secret Soviet nuclear missiles. From mushroom clouds to mushroom farm.

A strategically important location for the Soviet Nuclear strategy

In the 1950s, the Soviet Union’s nuclear program gained momentum. Construction of secret nuclear warhead storage facilities began across what now is Russian. It became clear that this alone was not sufficient. A better strategy was to stockpile nuclear armaments closer to potential targets. The Red Army began to look to neighbouring Soviet-controlled countries. They built Nuclear weapon storage facilities in Hungary, Czechia and Poland. In this area of Hungary, are several of these facilities. The location of these bases, of course, was top secret.

The exact purpose of these bases was kept a secret from the surrounding Hungarians. The facilities are all in forests, on sites of existing ammunition depots. Soldiers coming and going would not be anything out of the ordinary. These depots were re-purposed sometime in the 1970s and 1980s. New underground storage areas were added, for nuclear warhead storage. The dense trees hide the new constructions from prying eyes. Secrecy was paramount.

Exploring the abandoned Soviet Nuclear Warhead Storage

Firstly we made our way to the warhead storage area. Secondly, we took a look around the vehicle repair garage. Afterwards, we made our way to the command and barracks buildings. These featured yellow painted walls and black-and-white tiled floorings. A typical feature in Soviet personnel areas. After exploring further, we also found the cultural building. To my delight, this included a theatre. The 1970s Soviet monument was another highlight. The murals depict surface-to-air-missile (SAM) systems; possible these are 2K11 Krug and S-125.