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\u2019s eastern flank.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Around 20 of the rails are longer than usual. This suggests they are intended for launching the latest drone models.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Supplies are delivered directly to the bases from Russian factories, in particular from the \u00abAlabuga\u00bb 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.<\/p>\n\n
The launch infrastructure was expanded at both existing and new sites<\/h2>\n
The bases support attacks on Ukraine and have storage facilities<\/h2>\n
The new \u00abGerani\u00bb missiles extend their potential range of threat<\/h2>\n