World · Europe · 4 hrs ago
Russia nearly completes new drone launch base near Ukraine
Russia has nearly finished a new base for launching jet-powered attack drones in the Rostov region, near Ukraine.
Satellite images show that an empty field on August 31 had become a complex covering about 126 soccer pitches by October 14.
A defence expert says it could launch Russia’s newer Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones, and may be operational within weeks.
The base would add to at least 11 existing fixed launch sites Russia uses for drone attacks on Ukraine.
These drones can reach speeds of up to 600 kilometres an hour, making them harder for Ukraine to intercept than older models.
Ukraine is struggling to stop the faster drones, while Kyiv expects Russia to increase drone and missile attacks this winter.
The expert says the base could launch 100 or more drones in a day, depending on supplies and Russia’s objectives; how often it will be used is not yet known.
Russia has nearly completed a major new base for launching jet-powered drones in the Rostov region, close to Ukraine, satellite imagery and defence experts say.
The site grew from an empty field on Aug. 31 to a complex about the size of 126 soccer pitches by Oct. 14.
An expert said the facility could launch Russia’s Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones and appeared likely to become operational within weeks.
The construction coincides with increased Russian use of jet-powered attack drones, which Ukraine has struggled to intercept.
- Who
- Russia is building the base. Defence experts assessed its capabilities.
- What
- A new facility for launching jet-powered attack drones is nearly complete.
- When
- It was built over six weeks, from Aug. 31 to Oct. 14, 2026.
- Where
- Russia’s south-western Rostov region, near Ukraine.
- Why
- The base expands Russia’s attack capability close to Ukraine.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Satellite imagery showed an empty field at the site in the Rostov region.
Imagery showed that construction had begun.
Satellite imagery showed a complex facility about the size of 126 soccer pitches.
Reuters analysis and defence experts reported that the base was nearly complete.
- Location
- Rostov region, south-western Russia
- Construction period
- Six weeks
- Site size
- About 126 soccer pitches
- Launch platforms
- Eight platforms for launch rails, according to Mike Monnik
- Existing Russian launch network
- At least 11 fixed sites used for drone attacks on Ukraine
- Potential launch capacity
- 100 or more jet-powered drones in 24 hours, depending on supplies and objectives
3 sources
What people are saying
The speed of construction... demonstrates the ease with which Russia can bring now-established offensive capabilities to bear rapidly
This level of construction in this short a time is impressive