Russia sets up major jet drone launch base near Rostov in just six weeks
Photo: Russia built a launch base for jet drones near Rostov in six weeks (Getty Images)
Russia has nearly completed construction of a major new base for launching jet-powered drones near Rostov in just six weeks, reports Reuters.
According to satellite images provided by Planet Labs and Airbus, on August 31, the site of the future facility in Russia's Rostov Region was an empty field.
Construction work began there on September 1. As of October 14, a large complex covering an area equivalent to approximately 126 football fields had already taken shape.
The facility, covering about 0.9 square kilometers, is located approximately 3.5 km from Russia's Millerovo airbase, which is home to the 31st Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment.
Photo: Satellite images from Planet Labs and Airbus
Photo: Satellite images from Planet Labs and Airbus
Photo: Satellite images from Planet Labs and Airbus
According to DroneSec's assessment, the new drone launch site is likely within the coverage area of Russian air defenses provided by systems at the airbase.
Mike Monnik, founder and CEO of the private intelligence company DroneSec, said that, judging by the images, the facility may be intended for launching the Geran-4 and Geran-5 models, the latest types of Russian jet-powered drones.
According to him, eight platforms with launch rails designed to launch these drones can be seen on the western edge of the facility. They will supplement Russia's existing network, which includes at least 11 fixed launch sites.
"The speed of construction ... demonstrates the ease with which Russia can bring now-established offensive capabilities to bear rapidly," Monnik noted.
In his assessment, the facility appears to be almost complete, and it will likely take only a few weeks, if not less, before it becomes fully operational.
The analyst added that the facility could potentially support the launch of 100 or more jet-powered drones within 24 hours.
It was previously reported that Russia had deployed a network of secret bases with new launch sites for advanced long-range drones capable of reaching NATO countries. Some of these bases are already being used to strike Ukraine.
Russia is also preparing a base for launching jet-powered drones near the border with Ukraine.
