Ukrainian drones have carried out a series of strikes on the Russian «Cymbulova» military complex in the Oryol Oblast, which is used to store, prepare and launch attack drones against Ukraine. A satellite image released shows the probable locations of damage to several fortified storage facilities, a launch site for rocket-powered UAVs and their storage areas. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had previously confirmed damage to the infrastructure at this site, and new OSINT material shows the consequences of repeated attacks.
- The defence forces attacked the «Cymbulova» drone base.
- The satellite image shows the damaged shelters.
- It is reported that a UAV launch site has been hit.
- The facility is used to launch «Geraniums» across Ukraine.
Satellite images have revealed the aftermath of the strikes on the Russian drone base
In Russia’s Oryol Oblast, the aftermath of Ukrainian attacks on a large training and launch complex for attack drones continues to be documented «Cimbulova». A newly released image shows the site, featuring a number of fortified structures, launch pads and supporting infrastructure.
Several areas have been identified as likely targets. These include bunker facilities, a launch site for jet-powered drones and an area used to store UAVs.
In early October, OSINT analysts had already reported damage to two ground-based storage facilities and drone training sites following an attack on the night of 1 October. Satellite imagery at the time identified six locations of possible strikes. On 3 October, NASA’s FIRMS satellite system also detected thermal anomalies within the complex.
What is known about the «Cymbulova» drone port?»
«Tsymbulova» is a large Russian military facility in the Oryol Oblast, designed for the deployment, maintenance and launch of attack drones, in particular the jet-powered variants of «Geranium-4» and «Geran-5».
On its premises, the Russian military set up fortified shelters, drone training areas and fixed launch systems. Throughout 2026, the complex continued to be expanded, with new defensive structures and supporting infrastructure being built.
Strikes on such targets are aimed at reducing the Russian forces’ ability to prepare and carry out drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
The General Staff had previously confirmed that five launchers had been damaged
The drone base has already been targeted by Ukrainian strikes on several occasions. In particular, on 21 September, the Defence Forces attacked a facility used for the storage, preparation and launch of attack UAVs in the Tsymbulova area.
In a statement dated 22 September, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that at least three storage facilities had been hit, resulting in fires. A launch pad for jet-powered drones and five launchers were also damaged.
In early October, attacks on the complex resumed. Satellite imagery revealed further damage, particularly in the areas where attack drones are stored and prepared.
The exact condition of the equipment and the number of drones that may have been destroyed during the latest strikes have not yet been established.
Why strikes on drone launch sites are important for Ukraine’s defence
Unlike individual mobile launchers, large stationary complexes facilitate several stages of strike drone operations simultaneously — storage, technical preparation, arming and launch. Damage to such infrastructure can disrupt the operations of several units simultaneously. Restoring fortified structures, specialised equipment and launch systems requires additional resources and time.
Isolated incidents do not necessarily mean that the entire complex has ceased operations. To assess the consequences, data is required on the condition of the equipment, the stocks that have been destroyed, and the Russian forces’ ability to continue launches.
Repeated strikes on «Cymbula» indicate that the Ukrainian Defence Forces are systematically targeting the Russian infrastructure for attack drones, which the enemy uses to launch attacks on Ukrainian territory.
