Reaching the Baltic States and Poland: Russia is building secret bases to launch long-range drones
An F-4G Wild Weasel aircraft, foreground, and an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft are serviced on the flight line prior to departing for Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. The F-4G is armed with AGM-88 HARM missiles.
Russia has set up at least 10 bases for launching long-range strike drones along the borders with Ukraine and Belarus. According to the investigation, new modifications of the Geraniums with a range of about 1,000 km can reach Warsaw.
This is reported by The Telegraph.
Using satellite imagery and documents, journalists have identified at least 59 new launch pads at Russian sites. Some of the sites have been converted from military bases and civilian airports, while others have been set up in rural areas.
According to DroneSec analysis, about 20 of the rails have an elongated design, which may indicate the use of the latest long-range drones. 7 of the 10 locations identified appeared in open data during the recent massive attacks on Kyiv.
The proximity of the bases to the border reduces the time it takes for drones to reach their targets. According to Ukrainian government documents, certain new modifications of the Geran-4 and Geran-5 can reach high speeds, and the Geran-5 is capable of carrying a 90 kg warhead.
The declared range of the new drones is about 1,000 km, covering Warsaw. At the same time, journalists emphasize that there are currently no direct signs of preparations for a strike on Poland.
Drones are supplied to Russian bases by a network of enterprises, including a production complex in Alabuz. One facility has set up storage facilities for over 1,000 drones, and additional launch pads are being built at several sites.
“This expansion of launch sites shows how Russia has increased its ability to launch more drones while simultaneously using technology to make it more difficult to intercept the very types of drones being used,” said DroneSec co-founder Mike Monnick.
NATO stated that it is ready to defend the territory of the Alliance countries from any threats, including drones.
“Drones have fundamentally changed the nature of modern warfare and have become a decisive factor on the battlefield. We are rapidly increasing the ability to produce, deploy and neutralize drones on a large scale,” said a NATO representative.
Recall that three similar military facilities appeared in Russia at the same time – and their purpose remains a mystery for now.
It was previously reported thatRussia is building infrastructure on a large scale in the occupied territories of Ukraine , integrating them into its economy and providing war logistics.
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