ISW: Russia building new drone launch sites that could also target NATO
The Institute for the Study of War reports that Russia has built dozens of new drone launch rails along the border with Ukraine and Belarus, which could be used not only against Ukraine but potentially against NATO as well.
The US-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) states in its daily assessment of the situation on the front that Russia is expanding its long-range strike drone launch infrastructure along the border with Ukraine and Belarus. The analysts cite information published by the British newspaper The Telegraph on August 16, according to which Russia has built 59 new drone launch rails at ten different locations, with each site capable of hosting more than 1,000 drones.
Longer rails for jet-powered models
About 20 of the new rails are notably longer, indicating they are designed for launching the jet-powered "Geran-4" and "Geran-5" strike drones. These drones have ranges of 450–850 kilometers and 950–1,000 kilometers respectively. ISW explains that the new bases being built in western Russia are likely intended to increase the capacity to launch larger simultaneous drone salvos as part of regular strikes across Ukrainian territory. The faster jet-powered drones are reportedly intended for strikes on western Ukraine, using their speed to better overcome Ukrainian air defenses.
Possible protection of infrastructure
According to analysts, relocating launch sites to western Russia may also be an attempt to protect drone infrastructure, as Ukrainian forces have successfully struck launch sites in occupied territories. Building alternative bases deeper inside Russian territory could make them more resilient to such attacks. ISW also suggests Russia may use its own "Rassvet" satellite communications system to support operations from the new launch sites.
Possible risk to NATO
ISW concludes that the new drone bases could also support potential future strikes against NATO, should the Kremlin decide on such action, as the bases' layout would allow for a greater number of simultaneously launched drones and the ability to reach targets within NATO territory. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has continued since February 24, 2022, while Russia's war against Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, when Russia occupied Ukraine's Crimean peninsula and began fighting in Donbas.
