- Russia has built a network of new drone launch sites near its borders with Belarus and Ukraine, potentially putting NATO territory within range of Moscow’s newest long-range attack drones.
- Satellite images and leaked documents reviewed by The Telegraph identified at least 59 new launch rails across 10 Russian military and civilian sites.
- Some of the bases are already being used to launch attacks against Ukraine.
- The expansion is raising concerns that the infrastructure could eventually be used to threaten NATO countries, including Poland.
- The sites are being expanded with additional launch rails under construction, suggesting Moscow is preparing to launch larger numbers of drones.
- Seven of the 10 sites identified by The Telegraph have already been used in recent Russian attacks on Kyiv, according to open-source tracking data.
- Russia has rapidly upgraded its version of the Iranian Shahed drone, developing faster variants like Geran-4 and Geran-5.
- NATO has stated it is strengthening its ability to detect, operate and counter drones as the technology rapidly changes modern warfare.
- The launch sites include repurposed military bases and civilian airports, as well as newly built facilities carved out in remote areas of Russia.
- Drone intelligence company DroneSec analyzed satellite imagery and found that around 20 of the new launch rails are long enough to accommodate Russia’s latest long-range drones.
- One base reportedly has enough storage capacity for more than 1,000 drones.
- The expansion does not mean Russia is preparing to attack NATO immediately, but the new infrastructure gives Moscow more options if the Kremlin decides to escalate against the alliance.
- European and US intelligence officials have warned that Russia could consider provocations against Poland, including attacks on critical infrastructure or false-flag operations designed to blame Ukraine.
Russia has built ten new drone bases near its western borders, significantly enhancing its military capabilities. Satellite imagery and leaked documents reveal at least 59 new launch rails across these sites, with some already operational in attacks against Ukraine.2
The bases, which include repurposed military installations and newly constructed facilities, are raising alarms about potential threats to NATO countries, particularly Poland. Drone intelligence firm DroneSec analyzed the sites, noting that around 20 launch rails are designed for Russia's latest long-range drones, capable of reaching targets nearly 1,000 kilometers away.
The newer Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones, upgraded versions of the Iranian-designed Shahed, can carry payloads of up to 90 kilograms and travel at speeds that challenge air defenses. One base reportedly has storage for over 1,000 drones, indicating a significant escalation in Russia's drone warfare capabilities.7
Open-source tracking data shows that seven of the ten sites have already been involved in recent bombardments of Kyiv, underscoring the immediate threat posed by these developments. Analysts warn that the evolving technology could be directed at Europe in the event of conflict, with some bases now putting Russia's most powerful drones within striking distance of Warsaw.
“Satellite imagery and leaked documents reveal at least 59 new launch rails across the sites, with about 20 long enough for Russia's latest drones. One base can store over 1,000 drones, and seven sites have already been used in recent attacks on Kyiv.”
Ukrinform
