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Putin’s nuclear targets mapped: The 14 US locations in Russia’s crosshairs | World | News

Norfolk Naval Base is the largest naval base in the world (Image: Getty)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a number of threats since his invasion of Ukraine as the world sits on the brink of World War 3.

NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte even warned this week that the world must prepare for a war like the one seen by our grandparents and great-grandparents.

With Putin’s sabre-rattling escalating to unprecedented heights, the list below reveals the 14 locations across the US that Russia would likely target in nuclear warfare.

The Pentagon would be a key target for Russia

The Pentagon would be a key target for Russia (Image: Getty)

The Pentagon

The Pentagon stands as perhaps the most evident target. Situated in Arlington, Virginia, it serves as the headquarters for the US Department of Defense.

Naval Station Norfolk The US and the world’s largest Navy base is situated in Norfolk, Virginia. It boasts the highest concentration of US Navy forces, with approximately 100,000 air operations conducted annually, equating to nearly 300 per day.

Comfort Suites Kings Bay Naval Base Area.

This location is another obvious target as it serves as a United States Navy base in Camden County, Georgia.

Warren Air Force Base is one of three strategic-missile bases

Warren Air Force Base is one of three strategic-missile bases (Image: Getty)

Barksdale Air Force Base.

Barksdale is a United States Air Force Base located in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, housing the US’ 2nd Bomb Wing.

Whiteman Air Force Base.

Situated near Knob Noster, Missouri, this base is home to the US’ B-2 Spirit bomber – a heavy strategic bomber aircraft.

United States Strategic Command.

This could be another key target for the Russians. It oversees the US’ nuclear deterrence and cyber defence among other crucial roles.

VLF Array Lualualei.

This facility in Lualualei, Hawaii, is responsible for transmitting military orders to submarines underwater.

Kirtland Air Force Base.

This base houses the Air Force Materiel Command’s Nuclear Weapons Centre in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

21st Force Support Squadron.

This unit represents the US’ Space Force and is based at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.

Warren Air Force Base.

This Air Force Base is located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and is one of three strategic-missile bases.

is a United States Air Force Base in Bossier Parish, Louisiana

is a United States Air Force Base in Bossier Parish, Louisiana (Image: Getty)

Minot Air Force Base.

Located in Minot, North Dakota, this base is home to the US’ 5th Bomb Wing. The force is tasked with maintaining and operating B-52H bombers.

Hill Air Force Base.

Home to the Air Force Materiel Command, this facility houses an array of missiles, aircraft, and additional military hardware. Situated in Davis County, Utah.

Malmstrom Air Force Base.

Positioned in Cascade County, Montana, and serves as headquarters for the 341st Missile Wing – a unit specialising in intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The Pentagon would be a key target for a Russian strike

The Pentagon would be a key target for a Russian strike (Image: Getty)

Naval Radio Station Jim Creek.

Chiefly tasked with one-way submarine communications, operating from its base near Oso, Washington.

Whilst the Kremlin has only issued ambiguous nuclear threats, Russian State Television has previously identified potential American targets.

Back in 2019, presenter Dmitry Kiselyov highlighted several targets from the aforementioned list, whilst also referencing two defunct installations – Fort Ritchie, a military training facility in Maryland shuttered in 1998, and McClellan, a US Air Force installation in California that ceased operations in 2001.

Additionally, he referenced Camp David, the presidential country residence located in Frederick County, Maryland.


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