Russia is close to completing a major new launch base for jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles, which it built in just six weeks, further strengthening its offensive capabilities on the Ukrainian front.

According to Reuters’ investigation, as of late August, the site in Russia’s southwestern Rostov region was an empty field. In less than two months, it had been transformed into a complex covering less than one square kilometer, equivalent to approximately 126 football fields, according to satellite imagery from Planet Labs and Airbus.

The construction of the base coincides with a sharp increase in the use of Russian jet-powered attack drones against Ukraine in recent weeks. Kyiv is struggling to intercept these weapons, which are faster than conventional unmanned aircraft and can reach speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour.

With the war in Ukraine now entering its fifth year, Kyiv expects Russia to intensify its drone and missile attacks even further over the winter.

See the following Reuters photographs showing how the base was developed over six weeks.

Platforms for the New Geran-4 and Geran-5 Drones

Mike Monnik, founder and CEO of private intelligence company DroneSec, told Reuters that the facility visible in the satellite images could be used to launch the Geran-4 and Geran-5, Russia’s latest jet-powered drone models.

Eight launch-rail platforms can be seen at the western end of the complex. These can be used to launch the drones. The new facility adds to an existing Russian network of at least 11 fixed launch sites used to carry out attacks on Ukraine.

“The speed of construction demonstrates how easily Russia can now rapidly deploy and establish new offensive capabilities,” Monnik said, noting that the complex appears to be close to completion and that it will probably take “a few weeks — if not less” before it becomes fully operational.

Monnik also estimated that the base could have the capacity to launch 100 or more jet-powered drones within 24 hours, although Russia typically uses them in small numbers during daylight hours. The actual launch capacity will also depend on the availability of weapons and operational objectives.

Of the eight platforms, two already had launch rails installed, according to the image analysis. Rails were being constructed on two additional platforms, while further work was visible from space over three days this week.

The New Threat to NATO?

Construction of the facility coincides with deteriorating relations between Russia and NATO. European governments accuse Moscow of escalating a campaign of sabotage, drone deployments and cyberattacks, while Russia warned last month that it could use nuclear weapons if NATO attempted to blockade the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

Monnik said the combination of industrial-scale production of jet-powered drones, their increasing technological sophistication and the lack of comprehensive countermeasures in many NATO countries poses a serious challenge to the West.

“The ability to rapidly deploy capabilities for large-scale unmanned aerial system attacks creates a strategic vulnerability for NATO countries,” he said.

Rob Jordan, program director at the British think tank RUSI, said the concrete platforms and two possible launch rails visible in the images were consistent with facilities used to launch Russian Geran drones.

“This level of construction in such a short period of time is impressive,” he said, adding: “It demonstrates the relative confidence Russia is placing in its deep-strike capabilities, potentially at the expense of its conventional ground forces.”

Use of Faster Drones Increases Sixfold

According to military analysts, Russia has shifted a significant portion of its production toward jet-powered models because Ukraine is struggling to counter them. Over a three-month period last summer, Moscow increased its use of these drones approximately sixfold, with Kyiv and the surrounding region experiencing the highest number of attacks.

These drones pose a particular challenge because they are too fast for Ukrainian interceptor drones, which were designed as a cost-effective solution against older, slower models powered by piston engines. Kyiv is now urgently seeking new ways to counter them.

The new facility is located approximately 3.5 kilometers from Russia’s Millerovo air base, where the 31st Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment is stationed. According to DroneSec, the launch facility is likely protected by the air base’s air-defense umbrella, making any Ukrainian attempt to strike it more difficult.