Russia Rapidly Establishes New Drone Launch Base

Reference News Network reported on October 18 According to a Reuters report on October 15, based on analysis by defense experts and Reuters of satellite images, Russia has nearly completed the construction of a significant new base for launching jet-powered drones in just six weeks, marking a new effort by Russia to expand its attack capabilities near Ukraine.

Commercial images provided by Planet Labs and Airbus show that a site in the Rostov region of southwestern Russia, which was an empty lot on August 31, has transformed into a complex facility roughly the size of about 126 football fields by the 14th.

Meanwhile, the number of jet-powered attack drones used by Russia against Ukraine has surged, while Ukraine is struggling to intercept these faster weapons that can reach speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour.

Mike Monnik, founder and CEO of the Australian private intelligence company DroneSec, said the site in the images will be capable of launching Russia's latest models of jet-powered drones, the "Geranium"-4 and "Geranium"-5.

He noted that the images show eight launch pad platforms on the west side of the facility capable of launching these drones, expanding Russia's existing network of at least 11 fixed launch sites used for drone strikes against Ukraine.

The construction of the facility coincides with the deterioration of relations between Russia and the NATO military alliance.

European governments have accused Moscow of intensifying sabotage activities, drone incursions, and cyberattacks against them, while Russia warned last month that it might use nuclear weapons if NATO attempted to sever its links to the Kaliningrad enclave.

Monnik stated that the industrial production of jet-powered drones, their increasing precision, and the relative lack of comprehensive counter-drone defense capabilities among many NATO countries combine to pose a challenge to the West.

Monnik mentioned that the facility could potentially launch 100 or more jet-powered drones within 24 hours, although Russia typically launches these drones in small quantities throughout the day.

Rob Jordan, project director at the Royal United Services Institute in London, indicated that the concrete launch pads and two possible takeoff tracks shown in the images appear consistent with the launch tracks for Russia's "Geranium" series of drones.

The Russian Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the facility or the broader jet-powered drone program.

Military analysts say that Russia has shifted its drone production capabilities to jet-powered models because Ukraine is struggling to cope with these drones.

According to Ukrainian military data reported by Reuters last month, Russia increased its use of jet-powered drones by about six times over three months this summer. The data shows that Kyiv and its surrounding areas have been hit the hardest.

Jet drones pose a problem because they are too fast for Ukraine's low-cost interceptors to handle. Kyiv is currently eager to find solutions.

Reuters' analysis shows that of the eight launch platforms, two have already been fitted with tracks. Two other launch pads are also under construction for tracks. (Translated by Li Xue)