In early August, Russia began expanding the central section of the drone port at the «Donetsk» airfield. Dozens of hangars for «Shahed» drones and new areas for jet-powered drones are being completed there. Over the past week, more than 500 drones have been launched from this area, and the emergence of additional infrastructure could increase the scope for such attacks.
Briefly about the main points
- Work is continuing on the expansion of the drone port in the central part of the airfield.
- Russia is completing the construction of dozens of hangars for attack drones.
- Land is being prepared nearby for jet drones.
- Dozens of vehicles were spotted near the construction site.
- The new infrastructure could enhance the storage and preparation of UAVs.
Construction involves the use of machinery
Dozens of vehicles can be seen near the new structures. This indicates that work is in full swing in the central part of the airfield. Previously, as of 2 June, satellite analysis had identified over 130 garages and shelters at the site for attack UAVs, as well as concrete storage facilities and fixed launchers.
Infrastructure can expand launch capabilities
Additional garages and aprons could potentially provide Russian forces with greater capacity for storing, dispersing and carrying out pre-flight preparations for drones. At the same time, the number of shelters does not allow for a direct assessment of the future intensity of launches. The airfield remains a target for the Defence Forces: 4 September General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that a facility used for the storage, preparation and launch of attack UAVs had been struck in the Donetsk area.
