Former nuclear submarine training center and nuclear reactor
Infrastructure

Secret Soviet Navy training base

The Paldiski nuclear reactor was a secret Soviet Navy training base where submarine crews learned to operate nuclear reactors in as realistic a setting as possible. It was located in a closed military city and reflected the technological ambitions and military rivalry of the Cold War era.

For training, not for electricity generation

The complex housed two full-scale nuclear reactors, similar to those used in nuclear submarines. They were never used to generate electricity – their sole purpose was to train naval specialists for service on nuclear submarines.

Today – a Cold War legacy

The surviving reactor buildings form a unique Cold War heritage site that tells the story of military technology, secrecy, and changes after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Chronology

Early 1960s – The USSR begins construction of a secret nuclear submarine crew training center on the outskirts of Paldiski.

1968 – The first training nuclear reactor is put into operation.

1983 – The second, most powerful reactor is put into operation.

1989 – After almost 20 years of operation, both reactors are shut down.

1994–1995 – Nuclear fuel is removed, the facility is dismantled and transferred to Estonia.