Russia builds new attack drone launch base in Rostov region in six weeks, Reuters reports

Russia has built a new attack-drone launch base in Rostov region. Satellite images show that an empty field became a large military complex between August 31 and mid-October. The site matters because it could expand Russia’s ability to launch jet-powered drones against Ukraine from a permanent location.

Attack-drone launch sites provide prepared platforms, rails, and supporting infrastructure for repeated operations. At this facility, eight platforms with launch rails are visible along the western edge. Reuters found rails installed on two platforms, with work continuing on others.

The base is not necessarily fully usable yet. DroneSec founder Mike Monnik said only a few weeks, or possibly less, might remain before completion. The facility could eventually support launches of 100 or more jet-powered drones within 24 hours, depending on supplies and operational needs.

The new facility covers approximately 0.9 square kilometers. Reuters’ satellite-image analysis compared its area with about 126 football fields. That scale makes it far larger than a temporary launch position and suggests a permanent military installation.

Construction moved unusually quickly. The field was empty on August 31, but satellite imagery showed a large complex by mid-October, roughly six weeks later. Images taken over three days that week still showed construction and rail installation.

Eight platforms equipped with launch rails are visible along the western edge. Rails had already been installed on two platforms, while work was under way at two more. The facility appeared nearly complete, but its final operational capacity would depend on supplies, equipment, and Russia’s requirements.

Geran-4 and Geran-5 are the drone models that DroneSec founder Mike Monnik believes could be launched from the new facility. The article identifies them as jet-powered drones, but it does not provide their range, speed, or payload. The visible launch rails resemble equipment for Russian Geran drones.

Their importance comes from Russia’s increased use of jet-powered drones in attacks on Ukraine. A dedicated launch base could make those attacks more organized and repeatable. The eight platforms would add another fixed location to Russia’s existing launch infrastructure.

The facility’s exact role remains an expert assessment rather than a confirmed Russian announcement. Monnik said it could support 100 or more launches in 24 hours, while Russia usually sends drones in smaller groups throughout the day. Actual use would depend on supplies and operational needs.

DroneSec estimated that the facility could potentially support the launch of 100 or more jet-powered drones within 24 hours. That is a possible capacity, not a guaranteed daily total. The estimate depends on the base’s equipment, available drones, fuel, and other supplies.

Russia typically launches drones in smaller groups throughout the day rather than releasing its full potential capacity at once. The eight platforms and launch rails would allow repeated preparation and firing from a fixed site. Two platforms already had rails, and rails were being installed at two more.

If the facility becomes fully operational, it could add substantial capacity to Russia’s drone campaign against Ukraine. Its location near Millerovo airbase may also complicate efforts to strike it. However, Monnik said operational requirements and supplies would determine how heavily the base is actually used.

The facility’s location matters because it lies about 3.5 kilometers from Russia’s Millerovo airbase. That airbase is home to the 31st Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment. The nearby military presence may provide protection and operational support for the new drone complex.

DroneSec assessed that air-defense systems supplied by the airbase likely protect the launch site. Such defenses could make it harder for Ukraine to strike the facility. The proximity also places the new base beside an established military installation rather than in isolation.

This protection does not guarantee that the site is safe or fully operational. The launch base was still undergoing construction, and only some rails had been installed when the images were analyzed. Its usefulness will depend on completing the platforms, maintaining supplies, and operating under the nearby airbase’s protective umbrella.

The Rostov facility is not an isolated project. According to Mike Monnik, it would supplement Russia’s existing network of at least 11 permanent drone-launch sites used to attack Ukraine. That suggests Russia is building a broader, distributed system for sustained drone operations.

The site also reflects a change in the air campaign. Construction coincided with Russia’s increased use of jet-powered drones. Eight platforms and visible launch rails would give the new location a structured way to prepare and launch Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones.

The facility was nearly complete, but it was not yet confirmed as operational. If finished, it could add capacity to Russia’s attacks while nearby air defenses make it harder to target. Its real contribution would still depend on drone supplies, launch equipment, and Russia’s decision to use smaller groups or larger possible totals.

Satellite imagery helps identify whether a suspected launch base is changing from open land into a usable military facility. Here, images showed an empty field on August 31, a large complex by mid-October, and continuing construction over three days. Experts used the visible platforms and rails to assess its likely purpose.

Launch rails are central because they provide the apparent firing mechanism for Geran drones. The site has eight platforms, but rails were installed on only two, with work continuing on others. Air-defense systems from nearby Millerovo airbase could protect the facility, making an attack more difficult.

Physical construction alone does not prove operational readiness. The base also needs enough drones and other supplies. Monnik said capacity could exceed 100 launches in 24 hours, but actual use would depend on supplies and operational requirements. Thus, imagery shows potential, not guaranteed capability.