Russian troops have set up at least 10 secret bases with launch sites for long-range drones along the borders with Ukraine and Belarus, according to The Telegraph. The investigation suggests that seven of these are already being used for large-scale attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, whilst the range of the new UAVs potentially extends to Warsaw and other capitals on NATO’s eastern flank.
Briefly about the main points
- At least 10 bases and 59 new launch rails have been discovered.
- Seven sites are already being used to launch attacks on Ukrainian cities.
- Around 20 extended rails are designed for newer UAV models.
- «The »Geran-4« and »Geran-5’ are capable of covering distances of up to 1,000 kilometres.
- NATO is strengthening its eastern flank through the Eastern Sentry operation.
The launch infrastructure was expanded at both existing and new sites
Fifty-nine new launch pads were identified at the sites discovered. Some of the sites were converted from military bases and civilian airfields, whilst the rest were built from scratch.
Around 20 of the rails are longer than usual. This suggests they are intended for launching the latest drone models.
The bases support attacks on Ukraine and have storage facilities
Seven out of ten of the sites identified are being actively used to launch large-scale strikes against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Russian troops are attempting to circumvent air defence systems by positioning themselves close to the border.
Supplies are delivered directly to the bases from Russian factories, in particular from the «Alabuga» Special Economic Zone, which produces thousands of drones a year. At one of the sites, storage facilities capable of holding thousands of drones at any one time were discovered.
The new «Gerani» missiles extend their potential range of threat
The «Geran-4» and «Geranium-5»They can travel up to 1,000 kilometres, which means that Warsaw and other Eastern European NATO capitals fall within their potential range. According to the investigation, the new versions are equipped with jet engines and a warhead weighing up to 90 kilograms.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence reports that these drones may also carry air-to-air missiles capable of targeting Ukrainian aircraft. Western intelligence services suggest that these capabilities could be used for sabotage operations in NATO countries.
Following the air incidents on the eastern flank in 2025 NATO has launched the Eastern Sentry defence initiative. This involves additional air assets, ground-based air defence systems, surveillance capabilities and anti-drone technologies along the Alliance’s eastern flank.
