Russia has almost completed a new base for launching jet-powered drones in six weeks, significantly expanding its attack capabilities near Ukraine. Satellite images reveal that a previously empty field in the Rostov region has transformed into a facility sized like 126 soccer pitches. This construction aligns with an increase in the use of Russian jet-powered attack drones, which are faster and more challenging for Ukraine to intercept.
As the conflict enters its fifth year, Ukraine anticipates that Russia will escalate drone and missile attacks during the winter. Experts, including Mike Monnik from DroneSec, suggest that the new site is designed to launch Russia’s latest jet drones, the Geran-4 and Geran-5, adding to the existing network of at least 11 launch sites targeting Ukraine. Monnik highlighted that the facility’s rapid construction shows how quickly Russia can deploy its offensive capabilities, projecting that it could be operational in a matter of weeks.
This development poses a challenge for NATO, especially as relations between Russia and the military alliance have worsened. European countries accuse Russia of increasing sabotage, drone attacks, and cyberattacks. Russia has also warned that it could resort to nuclear weapons if threatened by NATO. Monnik believes that the combination of advanced drone production and a lack of effective counter-drone defenses in NATO nations creates a strategic vulnerability for the West.
The new facility could potentially launch over 100 jet-powered drones in 24 hours; however, Russia typically launches them in smaller quantities throughout the day. Analysts note that this rapid construction reflects Russia’s confidence in its long-range strike capabilities, possibly at the expense of its conventional ground forces.
Military data shows that Russia has increased its use of jet-powered drones approximately six-fold in three months, particularly targeting Kyiv and surrounding areas, making them harder for Ukraine to counter due to their speed. Overhead imagery indicated that the new launch site, located about 3.5 km from a major airbase, is within effective air defense coverage, complicating Ukrainian targeting efforts. Construction activity has been documented progressively over just a few days.
With information from Reuters
