All 16 launchers for Geran jet-powered drones now deployed at Russia's Tsimbulova base
Ukrainian monitors report that Russia has completed installation of all 16 planned launchers for jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones at the Tsimbulova base in Oryol Oblast, with construction of the facility continuing.
The Ukraine-based Telegram channel Strategic Aviation, which tracks Russian strategic aviation, attack drone launches and ballistic missile activity, reports that all 16 planned launchers for jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones have now been installed at the Tsimbulova drone base in Russia's Oryol Oblast. Ten of the launchers are designated for Geran-5 drones, while the remaining six are for Geran-4s.
The channel's administrators first noted active construction at the site on 10 July, meaning installation of the launchers took roughly one month. Satellite imagery reviewed by the channel also shows the preparation process for Geran-4 and Geran-5 UAVs underway.
Aside from the new launchers, the base already held four launchers for Geran-3 drones and three for Geran-2s. Analysts counted 37 Geran-5 and eight Geran-4 jet-powered drones, along with 56 Geran-2 attack drones, sitting in the base's open storage area.
Additional infrastructure
According to Strategic Aviation, the base has also begun using solar panels to supply extra power to communications equipment, weather stations and UAV guidance systems, which helps shield operations from potential power outages.
The channel added that construction at the base is ongoing, with smaller storage facilities for Shahed drones now being built in its western section alongside larger storage buildings elsewhere on site.
Strategic Aviation had previously reported on the base's expanding infrastructure, noting in May plans to install ten launchers for Geran-5 drones there — indicating the facility has been growing steadily over several months.
