In Russia’s Rostov Oblast, construction of a large-scale base for launching the «Geran-4» and «Geran-5» jet-powered strike drones was almost completed in six weeks. As recently as 31 August 2026, the site was an empty field, but by 14 October a military complex covering an area of approximately 0.9 square kilometres had been built there. According to experts’ estimates, the new base has the potential to launch over 100 drones per day.
Briefly about the main points
- In six weeks, Russia has almost completed the construction of a large base for jet drones.
- The site is situated in the Rostov Region, near Millerovo.
- The complex covers an area of approximately 0.9 km².
- The facility can handle over 100 launches per day.
Russia has built a new drone base near Ukraine
According to an analysis of satellite imagery, the Russian military began construction of a new facility near Millerovo Air Base in early September 2026.
Photographs taken on 31 August show an almost empty field with a few vehicles. Construction work began on the site the very next day.
Over the next six weeks, the Russians built roads, staging areas for equipment, structures and specialised positions, which experts have identified as infrastructure for launching attack drones.
As at 14 October, the complex covered an area of approximately 0.9 square kilometres, which is equivalent to around 126 football pitches.
The main construction work is almost complete, although work on certain infrastructure elements is still ongoing.
Eight starting positions have been set up at the base
Founder of the private intelligence firm DroneSec Mike Monnick, who analysed the satellite images, believes that the new complex is designed for the deployment of modern Russian jet-powered drones.
In the western part of the area, experts identified eight prepared sites that could be used to house launch guides. At two of these sites, the relevant structures had already been installed, whilst installation work was still underway at a further two.
A separate analysis of satellite imagery, published by the Ukrainian publication «Military», also points to the presence of 32 launch pads for preparing drones prior to launch. Experts suggest that these facilities may be used to service a significant number of drones and prepare them for deployment.
The new base can launch over 100 jet-powered drones a day
According to Mike Monnick’s assessment, once construction is complete, the facility will potentially be able to launch 100 or more jet-powered drones within 24 hours. At the same time, the expert emphasised that the actual frequency of use would depend on the number of drones available, logistical support and military objectives.
At present, Russia is mainly deploying jet-powered drones in relatively small groups throughout the day. Monnik suggests that it will take a few more weeks for the new base to become fully operational, although the facility may start operating sooner.
Russia is expanding its capacity for large-scale air strikes
The opening of the new complex comes against a backdrop of a sharp rise in the number of of Russian attacks drones.
According to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyfrom the start of 14 October until the evening of 15 October Russian forces have launched nearly 1,000 drones at Ukraine.
At the same time, Russia continues to use ballistic missiles and other long-range weapons to strike Ukrainian cities, the energy sector and transport infrastructure.
Expanding the network of launch complexes could provide Russian forces with additional capabilities for carrying out air strikes.
