Russia Builds Jet-Powered Drone Base Near Ukraine in Six Weeks

Russia has nearly completed a major new launch facility for jet-powered attack drones in its Rostov region, approximately 3.5 kilometers from the Millerovo military air base. Satellite imagery examined by Reuters shows that the 0.9-square-kilometer complex was developed in just six weeks, with eight launch positions potentially designed for Russia's newer Geran-4 and Geran-5 unmanned aircraft.

The construction represents another expansion of Russia's long-range strike infrastructure as Moscow increases its use of faster attack drones against Ukrainian targets. According to a Reuters investigation published on October 15, the facility could become operational within weeks, although its readiness and actual launch capacity have not been independently established.

Eight Launch Positions Identified Near Millerovo Air Base

Commercial satellite imagery from Planet Labs and Airbus shows that the location was largely undeveloped on August 31, 2026. Construction began the following day, and by October 14 the site had expanded into a complex covering approximately 0.9 square kilometers, equivalent to roughly 126 soccer fields.

The western section contains eight concrete launch positions. Two already had launch rails installed, while work on rails at two additional positions was visible in the imagery examined by Reuters.

Mike Monnik, founder and CEO of private intelligence company DroneSec, assessed that the infrastructure could accommodate Russia's Geran-4 and Geran-5 jet-powered attack drones. He also estimated that the facility could theoretically support launches of 100 or more drones within 24 hours, depending on available aircraft, supplies and operational requirements.

That figure remains an expert estimate rather than demonstrated operational capacity. Reuters has not established that the complex has begun conducting attacks.

The site's proximity to Millerovo is also relevant. The existing air base hosts Russia's 31st Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, and DroneSec assessed that the new facility could benefit from air defense systems already protecting the military installation.

Jet-Powered Geran Drones Challenge Ukrainian Interceptors

The expansion comes as Russia increases its employment of jet-powered one-way attack drones, which can reach speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour.

According to Ukrainian military data previously reported by Reuters, Russian employment of these aircraft increased approximately sixfold over a three-month period during summer 2026. Kyiv and the surrounding region experienced the greatest concentration of attacks.

The higher speeds complicate Ukraine's existing counter-drone approach. Interceptors developed primarily to engage slower, propeller-driven Shahed-type aircraft cannot necessarily reach faster jet-powered variants, particularly when targets operate at greater altitudes.

European manufacturers are already responding to this capability gap. German defense technology company Quantum Systems is developing its Skyron-600 interceptor, intended to exceed 600 km/h and engage faster Russian attack drones. The company has not announced a confirmed delivery schedule.

The new Russian launch complex therefore appears alongside two related developments: an increase in jet-powered drone attacks and efforts by Ukrainian and European developers to field faster, lower-cost interception systems.

New Base Expands Russia's Long-Range Strike Infrastructure

The Millerovo facility adds to an established Russian network of fixed drone launch sites. DroneSec estimates that Russia already operates at least 11 such locations supporting attacks against Ukraine.

Rob Jordan, a program director at the Royal United Services Institute in London, assessed that the newly constructed concrete positions and rails were consistent with Geran launch infrastructure. The pace of construction also indicates the priority Russia is assigning to its long-range strike capabilities.

However, the site's physical completion does not automatically establish the number of drones it can launch or sustain in regular operations. Actual sortie generation will depend on aircraft availability, handling equipment, personnel, maintenance, transportation and other logistical support.

There is also a distinction between the facility's potential protective coverage and confirmed defensive arrangements. Its location near Millerovo may complicate Ukrainian targeting, but the specific air defense configuration protecting the new complex has not been publicly verified.

Russia's Ministry of Defense did not provide a response to Reuters concerning the development or the broader jet-powered drone program.

The next indicators will be the completion of the remaining launch infrastructure and evidence of sustained operational activity. Until then, the satellite imagery establishes the scale and speed of construction, rather than the facility's demonstrated strike output.

Key Questions

Where is Russia's new drone launch base located?

The complex is in Russia's Rostov region, approximately 3.5 kilometers from Millerovo military air base, near the Ukrainian border.

Which drones could operate from the facility?

Defense analysts assess that the launch infrastructure is compatible with Russia's jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5 attack drones.

How many drones could the base launch per day?

DroneSec estimates a theoretical capacity of at least 100 drones per 24 hours. This remains an assessment, not a verified operational figure.

Is the new Russian drone base operational?

As of October 15, 2026, the facility appeared close to completion, but operational launches had not been independently confirmed.