According to Ukrainian intelligence, satellite imagery confirms the development of the site, which lies near the border with the temporarily occupied part of Ukraine’s Luhansk region, RBC Ukraine reported.
The facility’s layout indicates that it is designed to prepare and launch Geran-4 and Geran-5 jet-powered attack drones, as well as their modifications, HUR said.
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The estimated capacity of up to 100 launches per day will depend on several factors, including the availability of operational drones, fuel and warheads, trained personnel, equipment reliability and the missions assigned by Russian forces.
Ukrainian intelligence said that no visible signs of active construction were present at the site at the end of August. By mid-October, however, launch positions and supporting infrastructure had been established.
The rapid development may reflect Russia’s use of previously tested technical solutions and the concentration of resources on building relatively simple launch facilities, according to the report.
The new site is located approximately 3.5 kilometers from Millerovo airfield. Its proximity could allow Russia to rely on existing air defense systems protecting the airfield, while also benefiting from shared infrastructure and technical support, HUR said.
The facility would add to Russia’s existing network of drone launch sites, which Ukrainian intelligence estimates includes at least 12 permanent locations.
The expansion could form part of Moscow’s preparations to intensify attacks on Ukraine during the winter, according to the report.
The Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones are reported to have strike ranges of up to 770 kilometers and 950 kilometers, respectively.
RBC-Ukraine previously reported that interception rates for Russian jet-powered drones can reach 85% in some cases. However, air defense effectiveness can be affected by sustained attacks, limited supplies of interceptor missiles and weather conditions.
The claims about the new facility and its potential capacity were reported by Ukrainian intelligence and have not been independently verified.
