Russia is building a new drone launch site near Millerovo airfield: what is known
Рективний дрон/ Фото з відкритих джерел
Russia is building a new launch pad for attack drones near the Millerovo military airfield in Rostov Oblast. Ukrainian intelligence estimates that once completed, the facility will be able to provide up to 100 drone launches per day. It will likely be used for the Geran-4 and Geran-5 jet UAVs.
This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
According to the GUR, satellite images indicate that the new site is being rapidly developed. At the end of August 2026, there was no visible active construction work at this site, and by mid-October, the Russians were already developing launch positions and related infrastructure.
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At the same time, the actual number of launches will depend on the stock of drones, the availability of fuel and warheads, the number of trained crews, and the health of the equipment.
The new facility is located approximately 3.5 km from the Millerovo airfield. Intelligence suggests that the Russians will use air defense systems that cover the military airfield to protect it. Access to existing road, communication, and logistics infrastructure will also be an advantage.
Russia is improving jet drones
In parallel with the construction of the new site, the Russian Federation continues to modernize its strike drones. In particular, the new modification of the Geran-4 has received additional autonomous navigation tools, including an optical system for comparing terrain images. Similar technology is being integrated into the Geran-5 in the K5 version.
In addition, the Geranium-4 was equipped with a localized jet engine and a new warhead designed to destroy bridge structures and power line supports.
The GUR believes that these modernizations should increase the accuracy of autonomous navigation of drones and expand their capabilities to strike Ukrainian infrastructure, including civilian objects.
Russia is building a network of UAV launch sites
The new droneport will complement Russia’s existing network of drone launch facilities, which, according to intelligence, includes at least 12 stationary sites.
The GUR suggests that construction in the Rostov region may be part of Russia’s preparation for increasing the intensity of strikes on Ukraine, particularly in winter.
According to intelligence estimates, the range of targets hit by the Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones is up to 770 and 950 km, respectively. This creates a potential threat not only to Ukraine, but also to neighboring states.
It was previously reported that new shelters and facilities for storing Geran-type strike drones are being built at the Gvardiyske military airfield in temporarily occupied Crimea.
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