Russia builds new jet-powered drone launch base near Ukrainian border in six weeks
Reuters, citing satellite imagery, reports that Russia has nearly finished a large base for launching jet-powered drones in the Rostov region. An empty field has become a complex covering the area of 126 soccer fields.
Russia has almost completed construction of a large base for launching jet-powered drones in the Rostov region, close to the Ukrainian border. The news agency Reuters reported this, citing satellite imagery. The base went up in just six weeks, and it could expand Russia's ability to strike Ukraine with faster, longer-range unmanned aircraft.
From empty field to complex
Reuters said the site was still an empty field on August 31. It now holds a sprawling complex equal in size to 126 soccer fields. Eight launch pads are located in its western part.
Which drones it is meant for
Mike Monnik, founder of the private intelligence firm DroneSec, said the images suggest the base is designed for launching the newest jet-powered drones, the Geran-4 and Geran-5. He estimated that it could support about 100 jet-powered drone launches a day and said it will likely be fully operational within "a matter of weeks."
Why it matters
In recent months Russia has begun using jet-powered drones actively in strikes on Ukraine. Compared with classic drones, they offer a significant increase in range and speed. They are also harder to shoot down, because they are too fast for specialized interceptor drones powered by electric motors.
