Satellite imagery analyzed by the press service of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) has confirmed that the Russian military has established a new launch site for jet-powered attack drones near the Millerovo military airfield in Rostov Oblast. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine. The new facility, referred to in Ukrainian military analytics as a "drone port," is located in an area bordering the temporarily occupied part of Luhansk Oblast and, according to its configuration, is designed for the preparation and launch of Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones, as well as their modifications.
What is visible on satellite images
According to preliminary estimates, upon completion of construction, the site will be able to provide up to 100 launches per day. The actual intensity of its use, as noted by HUR, will depend on a number of factors: supplies of finished drones, availability of fuel and warheads, the number of trained crews, equipment operability, and assigned tasks. Satellite data record high dynamics of work: at the end of August 2026, there were no noticeable signs of active construction in this area, and by mid-October, launch positions and supporting infrastructure had already been established. Independent OSINT analysts, whose materials are cited by Ukrainian media, indicate that it was an empty field on September 1, while a satellite image from October 12 already shows the unloading of drones; according to their calculations, the facility is equipped with eight launcher pads and 32 UAV preparation sites.
Construction pace and its reasons
One of the reasons for the rapid pace of drone port construction could be the use of already proven technical solutions and the concentration of resources on creating relatively simple launch infrastructure. According to analysts' estimates, the nature of the construction resembles Russia's largest Timbulova drone port, indicating the replication of a tested scheme and accelerated work to expand the scale of attacks.
Connection with the Millerovo airfield
The construction of the new UAV launch facility just 3.5 kilometers from the Millerovo airfield means that Russia intends to use the same air defense systems protecting the airfield to defend it. An advantage in operating the drone port could be the shared infrastructure and existing technical support systems. The new facility complements Russia's existing network of UAV launch sites, which, according to Ukrainian sources, numbers at least 12 stationary points. The development of the drone port in Rostov Oblast may be part of preparations to increase the intensity of strikes on Ukrainian territory, particularly during the winter period.
Range and effectiveness of strikes
The characteristics of jet drones allow them to attack targets at distances of up to 770 and 950 kilometers, respectively. As RBC-Ukraine previously noted, Russian jet drones are capable of overcoming significant distances and reaching western regions of Ukraine; their range depends on technical characteristics, fuel reserves, and onboard equipment. At the same time, the effectiveness of intercepting hostile jet UAVs in some cases reaches 85%, but air defense performance is significantly affected by round-the-clock attacks, limited missile resources, and weather conditions.
