| Naval Station Sude | |
|---|---|
| Naval Station of Vekllei | |
|
|
| Location | Sude |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence |
| Operator | FED |
| Residents | Maritime Service Littoral Service Air Service Territorial Service |
Naval Station Sude is a peripheral maritime facility of the Vekllei Maritime Service located in Godthul in the Sude Islands. The site began as a whaling station in the early 20th century and operated as one of the world’s largest whaling hubs until the industry’s decline in the mid-1960s. During World War II, British forces briefly fortified the station to guard against Axis activity in the Southern Ocean, establishing the foundation for its subsequent military role.
Formally established as a naval station following the 2015 Antarctic Crisis, the facility is central to maintaining Vekllei sovereignty over the South Georgia islands and supporting Antarctic Fleet operations. The station houses a small naval garrison alongside specialised vessels, including nuclear icebreaker cruisers and arsenal destroyers. It serves as a critical staging base for Antarctic expeditions and supports both military and civilian shipping in some of the world’s most challenging maritime environments.
Resident Maritime Service Vessels (Antarctic Fleet)
- 2 Nuclear Icebreaker Cruisers
- 2 Arsenal Destroyers
Resident Littoral Service Vessels (Antarctic Command)
- 1 Wake-class Patrol Motor Launch
- 1 Heavy Icebreaker
Resident Air Service Squadrons
- No. 8 Aeromarine Wing
- No. 37 Aeromarine Sqdn. Nekros
Resident Territorial Service Regiments
- Falklander Guards (Fortress Guards)
- 3rd Bn.