Russia Turns Empty Field Into Major Jet Drone Base in Six Weeks
Satellite imagery shows eight launch platforms at a nearly completed facility in Russia’s Rostov region, expanding its capacity to deploy fast jet drones that Ukraine has struggled to intercept.
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Russia has transformed an undeveloped field near Ukraine into a nearly finished jet drone launch complex in six weeks, expanding its strike infrastructure as Kyiv prepares for heavier attacks this winter.
Satellite images reviewed by Reuters show a facility covering roughly 0.9 square kilometers in the southwestern Rostov region.
On August 31, the land contained only a handful of vehicles. Construction was visible the next morning.
By Wednesday, the site had grown to include eight launch platforms, with rails installed on two and work underway on two others.
The development comes as Russia increases its use of faster drones that challenge Ukraine’s interception capabilities.
Eight Platforms Near an Air Base
Mike Monnik, founder and chief executive of intelligence company DroneSec, assessed that the facility could launch Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones, Russia’s latest jet-powered models.
The eight platforms occupy its western side. The facility would expand a network of at least 11 fixed Russian sites used to launch drone attacks against Ukraine.
Monnik said it could become operational within weeks, potentially sooner.
He estimated it could launch 100 or more jet drones over 24 hours, depending on supplies and operational objectives, though Russia typically deploys them in smaller groups throughout the day.
The complex lies about 3.5 kilometers from Millerovo air base, where the 31st Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment is stationed.
DroneSec assessed that nearby air defenses probably cover the new facility, complicating Ukrainian efforts to strike it.
Faster Weapons Test Ukrainian Defenses
Russian jet drones can reach speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour, outpacing Ukrainian interceptor drones developed to counter slower, piston-powered weapons.
Ukrainian military figures cited by Reuters last month showed that Russian use of jet drones rose approximately sixfold over three months during the summer.
Kyiv and its surrounding region faced the greatest concentration of attacks.
Military analysts say Moscow has redirected production toward these models as Ukraine struggles to develop an effective response.
Rob Jordan, a program director at the London-based RUSI think tank, said the concrete pads and two apparent launch rails visible in the imagery were consistent with infrastructure for Geran drones.
“This shows the relative faith Russia is putting in its deep strike capability, possibly to the detriment of its conventional land forces.”
Russia’s Defense Ministry did not immediately answer questions about the facility or its wider jet drone program.
Implications for NATO
The construction also highlights concerns about NATO countries’ ability to counter large drone attacks.
Monnik pointed to Russia’s industrial production, improving drone technology and gaps in comprehensive counter-drone defenses across the alliance.
“This ability to rapidly field an ability to launch large-scale attacks using UAS (unmanned aerial systems) poses a strategic vulnerability for NATO countries,” he said.
European governments accuse Moscow of intensifying sabotage, drone incursions and cyberattacks.
Russia last month warned that it could use nuclear weapons if NATO tried to sever access to its Kaliningrad exclave.
Ahmet Koçak
Ahmet Koçak is a news editor at Clash Report based in Istanbul. He previously served as Deputy Managing Editor at Türkiye Today, helping launch the digital news platform in 2023, and spent three years as Senior Editor at Daily Sabah. His work focuses on breaking news, geopolitics, international affairs, and digital journalism.
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