Russia is building a new launch site for attack drones near the Millerovo military airfield in Rostov Oblast, which borders temporarily occupied Luhansk Oblast.
Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) on Telegram
Details: DIU said satellite images confirm that the new site is under construction.
Quote: "The configuration of the facility indicates that it is intended for preparing and launching jet-powered attack drones, likely the Geran-4 and Geran-5 , as well as their modifications. Early estimates suggest that, once construction is complete, the site will be capable of supporting up to 100 launches per day." A Geran-5
Details: According to DIU, the actual intensity of operations at the site will depend on the supply of ready-made drones, the availability of fuel and warheads, the number of trained crews, the serviceability of equipment, and assigned tasks.
DIU noted that in late August, there were no visible signs of active construction at the site. However, by mid-October, Russian forces had already established launch positions and other infrastructure.
The intelligence agency said the rapid pace of construction could be explained by the use of previously tested technical solutions and by concentrating resources on building relatively simple launch infrastructure.
"The construction of a new drone launch facility just 3. 5 km from Millerovo airfield indicates that Russia intends to use the same air defence systems protecting the airfield to defend the new site," DIU added.
It also noted that the new site could benefit from access to the airfield's existing road, communications and logistics infrastructure, as well as its technical support systems.
Russia is also upgrading its jet-powered attack drones. A new version of the Geran-4 has been equipped with additional autonomous navigation capabilities, including an optical terrain-matching system. A similar system is being integrated into the K 5 version of the Geran-5 drone.
"In addition, the Russians have equipped the Geran-4 with a domestically produced jet engine and a new warhead designed to strike bridges and electricity transmission towers," DIU said.
The Geran-4 has a range of up to 770 km, while the Geran-5 can fly up to 950 km. The new Millerovo drone launch site Photo: Absolutely Reliable Source Telegram channel
The new facility will expand Russia's network of attack drone launch sites, which, according to DIU, already includes at least 12 permanent facilities. DIU believes the new facility may be part of Russia's preparations to intensify attacks on Ukraine, particularly over the winter.
Read more: "Droneports": inside Russian UAV bases and why they are so difficult to destroy
Background: Ukrainka Pravda previously reported, citing Ukrainian OSINT community Absolutely Reliable Source, that Russia was building the Millerovo drone launch facility . The community said that as of 12 October, the site had eight positions for launchers and 32 areas for preparing drones for launch.
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