Russia has nearly completed a massive new launch base for jet-powered attack drones in its southwestern Rostov region in just six weeks, satellite imagery analyzed by Reuters shows, as Moscow ramps up attacks that are increasingly difficult for Ukraine to intercept.
The facility near Millerovo, roughly 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) from a Russian air base, has grown from an empty field into a complex covering about 0.9 square kilometers (0.3 square miles) – roughly the size of 126 soccer pitches – between Aug. 31 and Oct. 14.
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Defense experts say the site is designed to launch Russia’s latest jet-powered drones, the Geran-4 and Geran-5, which can reach speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour (373 miles per hour).
Mike Monnik, founder and CEO of private intelligence company DroneSec, identified eight launch platforms along the facility’s western edge. Two already had launch rails installed, according to Reuters’ analysis of satellite imagery.
The base could be operational within weeks, if not sooner, Monnik said.
“The speed of construction ... demonstrates the ease with which Russia can bring now-established offensive capabilities to bear rapidly,” he said.
Russia ramps up faster drone attacks
The construction comes as Russia sharply increases its use of jet-powered drones against Ukraine, with Kyiv and the surrounding region among the hardest-hit areas.
Russian use of the faster drones increased roughly sixfold over three months this summer, according to Ukrainian military data.
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Unlike slower, piston-powered drones, jet-powered models are harder to stop with relatively inexpensive interceptor drones that Ukraine has increasingly relied on to counter Russian attacks.
With the full-scale war in its fifth year, Ukraine expects Russia to intensify drone and missile strikes this winter, putting additional pressure on its air defenses.
The new facility could potentially launch 100 or more jet-powered drones in 24 hours, depending on available supplies and operational requirements, Monnik said. Russia typically launches its drones in smaller waves throughout the day.
New base could be harder for Ukraine to hit
The new site is located close to Millerovo air base, home to Russia’s 31st Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment.
DroneSec assessed that the launch facility likely falls within the air-defense coverage of the military air base, potentially making it more difficult for Ukraine to strike.
The rapid expansion of Russia’s drone-launch infrastructure also poses a potential challenge for NATO countries, which face growing concerns over Russian sabotage, cyberattacks and drone incursions.
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