Russia has nearly completed construction of a major new base for launching jet-powered drones near the Ukrainian border in just six weeks, Reuters reported, citing satellite imagery.
The base is being built in the Rostov region. As of August 31, the site was still an empty field, Reuters said. It now holds a sprawling complex spanning an area equal to 126 soccer fields.
Mike Monnik, founder of the private intelligence firm DroneSec, said the images suggest the base is designed to launch the newest jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones. Eight launch pads sit in the western part of the complex.
Monnik estimated the base could support the launch of about 100 jet-powered drones a day and said it will likely become fully operational within “a matter of weeks.”
Russia has started actively using jet-powered drones to strike Ukraine in recent months. Unlike classic drones, they offer a significant increase in range and speed. They are harder to shoot down than ordinary drones, since they are too fast for specialized electric-motor interceptors.
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