Oct. 28 — Russia is constructing a new launch site for drones near the Millirovo military station in the Rostov region, close to the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine’s Luhansk oblast, reported Ukraine’s main intelligence agency (HUR). 

According to the agency, satellite footage confirms the construction of the new facility. HUR says it is expected to support the launch of up to 100 drones per day once completed. 

The actual number of launches will depend on several factors, including the supply of ready-to-use drones, fuel, warheads, the availability of training personnel, and the condition of equipment along with operation requirements, HUR added. 

Intelligence agency said that satellite imagery from August 2026 showed no significant signs of active concentration at Milirovo. However, by mid-October, Russian forces had established launch positions and supporting infrastructure. 

The new facility is located just 3.5 kilometers (2,2 miles) from Millervo airfield. This can enable Russia to use the same air defense systems that protect the military base for it, HUR said. 

At the same time, Russia is modernizing its jet-powered drones, HUR added. The latest Geran-4 modification has reportedly been equipped with additional autonomous navigation capabilities, including an optical terrain-matching system. 

Russian forces have also equipped Geran-4 with a domestically produced jet engine and a new warhead designed to strike bridge structures and power transmission towers. 

HUR added that the Geran-4 has a range of up to 770 kilometers (478 miles), while the Geran-5 can travel up to 950 kilometers (590 miles). 

The new launch site would expand Russia’s existing network of drone launch facilities, which includes 12 permanent locations. 

HUR said that the construction may be a part of Russia’s preparations to intensify drone attacks against Ukraine, particularly during winter. 

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