World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Russia builds new drone launch base near Ukraine border
Satellite images show Russia rapidly built a new drone base near Millerovo, in the country’s southwest, about three kilometres from an air base.
The site is near the Ukrainian border and is one of Russia’s known areas for launching Geran drones, which Moscow uses alongside missiles in attacks on Ukraine.
The new facility appears designed for Geran-5 drones, a jet-powered version that can reach 595 km/h and uses long launch rails.
A drone expert estimates the base could support up to 100 launches a day, though that is a potential capacity, not a confirmed daily total.
The drones cost an estimated $115,000 each and add pressure on Ukraine’s already strained air defences, which must find ways to intercept them at lower cost.
Ukraine says Russia launched about 4,000 Geran-5 drones in October, an average of 133 a day.
Experts say Russia may build similar facilities elsewhere as it standardises its launch bases.
Russia has built a new drone launch base near the Ukrainian border in a matter of weeks, satellite images show.
The site is in southwestern Russia, about three kilometres from Millerovo air base.
Experts say it could launch up to 100 Geran-5 drones a day.
The construction includes launch areas, storage facilities, support buildings and long launch rails.
The expansion could increase pressure on Ukraine’s air defences, according to the report.
- Who
- Russia is building the base. Experts say it could be used to launch Geran-5 drones against Ukraine.
- What
- A new drone launch base has been built near the Ukrainian border. It could support launches of up to 100 Geran-5 drones a day.
- When
- Satellite images show work underway between August 8 and October 12. The base was built over a few weeks.
- Where
- Southwestern Russia, about three kilometres from Millerovo air base.
- Why
- The base could expand Russia’s capacity to launch drones against Ukraine. The report says Russia is investing in launch and storage infrastructure.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A satellite image showed land near Millerovo that was still almost entirely empty.
The first infrastructure, including construction roads and cleared land, was visible.
Berms, launch areas and foundations had appeared at the site.
The complex had expanded, with storage facilities and several support buildings visible.
- Location
- About 3 kilometres from Millerovo air base in southwestern Russia
- Potential capacity
- Up to 100 Geran-5 drones per day, according to Mike Monnik
- Geran-5 speed
- Up to 595 km/h
- Geran-5 unit cost
- Estimated at $115,000
- Launch rails
- Two long rails per catapult, with ramps about 85 metres long or more
What people are saying
The new launch site was built at a particularly rapid pace
What is concerning is that Russia was able to build this facility in such a short time
This is why Russia is investing heavily in its infrastructure