Full Breakdown
Russia Completes Large Jet-Drone Launch Base Near Millerovo
By Drooid · · How we work
Rapid Construction of a New Drone Launch Base
Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters shows that an empty field in Russia’s Rostov region on Aug 31 had been transformed into a complex covering roughly 0.9 sq km—about 126 soccer pitches—by Oct 14. The construction, completed in six weeks, added eight launch platforms on the western side of the site, with rails already installed on two pads and work continuing on others. Analysts say the facility lies about 3.5 km from Millerovo air base, placing it inside the base’s air-defence “bubble.”
Facility Layout and Capabilities
DroneSec founder Mike Monnik assessed that the base is designed for Russia’s Geran-4 and Geran-5 jet-powered attack drones and could fire 100 or more drones in a 24-hour period, depending on supplies and objectives. The site includes at least eight launcher positions and 32 preparation sites, with equipment visible for unloading drones. Its design resembles the Tsimbulov drone port in the Oryol region.
Operational Context and Ukrainian Response
Ukrainian military data, reported by Reuters, indicate a six-fold increase in the use of jet-powered drones over a three-month summer period, with speeds up to 600 km/h, outpacing Ukrainian interceptor drones. Kyiv has already struck nearby drone infrastructure; on Aug 30, Ukrainian forces hit a storage and launch facility roughly 170 km from the front line, and earlier attacks targeted a radar station at Millerovo airfield.
Official Statements & Reactions
Russia’s defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the new facility or its jet-drone programme. Rob Jordan, programme director at the London-based RUSI think-tank, described the construction pace as “impressive” and noted that it reflects Russia’s confidence in its deep-strike capability, potentially at the expense of conventional land forces. NATO observers warn that the rapid fielding of large-scale unmanned-air-system attacks creates a strategic vulnerability for member states lacking comprehensive counter-drone defences.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The speed of construction... demonstrates the ease with which Russia can bring now-established offensive capabilities to bear rapidly,” — Mike Monnik, dronesec founder — Mike Monnik, dronesec founder