Russia is building a base for naval drones in occupied Crimea – media

Russia is likely setting up a base in occupied Crimea for launching and servicing naval drones. Satellite images have shown more than two dozen shelters for unmanned boats in the Donuzlav Lake area.

This is reported by Defense Express, citing satellite images and data from OSINT analyst HI Sutton.

The probable base is located on the shores of Lake Donuzlav near Novoozerne. The images show structures that look like boathouses for sea drones.

They were built in depressions in the shore, protected by embankments on the sides and covered with camouflage nets on top. A dirt road leads to each such shelter.

The publication notes that the Russians could store unmanned boats inside, prepare them for use, and launch them. Warehouses, workshops, and communications equipment could also be located nearby.

OSINT analyst HI Sutton has counted 21 such shelters in various parts of the Donuzlav coast in recent satellite images. According to him, their construction began in February of this year.

Russia is developing its own naval drones in response to Ukraine’s active use of such systems. Recently, there have been more and more reports of the use of Russian unmanned boats.

Defense Express suggests that the new base could allow Russia to more actively use naval drones in the Black Sea, including against ships, Ukrainian ports, and coastal cities.