New Drone Launch Facility Near Millerovo to Support 100 Daily Strikes in Russia’s Rostov Region

Construction of Advanced Drone Launch Site Underway in Russia’s Rostov Region

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Close to the Millerovo military airbase in Russia’s Rostov region, a new launch site is being developed for the deployment of the Geran-4 and Geran-5 jet-powered strike drones. Once operational, this facility will be capable of conducting up to 100 drone launches every day. This expansion reflects Russia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, including upgrades to autonomous navigation systems and warhead technology, which suggest preparations for increased strike activity against Ukraine.

By mid-October 2026, launch pads and supporting infrastructure had already been established at the site, located just 3.5 kilometers from Millerovo airfield. Given its proximity, Russian forces plan to extend the air defense systems protecting Millerovo airbase to also cover this new drone launch location.

Upgrades to Russia’s Strike Drones

Russia continues to improve its jet drones, with the Geran-4 model now featuring enhanced autonomous navigation and a domestically produced jet engine. The Geran-5 K5 variant is equipped with an optical terrain matching system for greater accuracy. Moreover, the Geran-4 has been fitted with a new warhead designed specifically to target critical infrastructure such as bridges and power line supports.

Russia operates at least 12 permanent UAV launch sites across its network. The construction of this new drone base likely aligns with plans to intensify attacks on Ukraine, especially during the winter months. The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense highlights that the close distance between the new site and Millerovo airbase means Russia intends to use the same air defense units to protect both locations.

Additionally, Ukrainian intelligence notes that these advanced drone modifications aim to improve strike precision and increase damage to Ukrainian infrastructure, including civilian facilities, underscoring Russia’s ongoing campaign of aggression.

Several factors will influence how actively this launch site is utilized, including:

• Availability of ready-to-launch drones
• Supply of fuel and warheads
• Number of trained drone operators
• Operational status of equipment
• Military objectives assigned by Russian command

The new drone port benefits from shared air defense coverage, as well as integrated road, communication, logistics, and technical support infrastructure connected to the nearby airfield.

Russia’s expansion of drone capabilities through facilities like this poses significant security challenges for Ukraine. Increasing strike frequency and improving UAV technology indicate a likely escalation in hostilities. This development highlights the critical need for sustained international assistance to Ukraine to counter ongoing aggression and safeguard its national security.

The advancements in drone technology are not limited to new launch facilities; Russia has also recently deployed a rocket-powered drone specifically designed to target critical infrastructure such as power lines and bridges. This development underscores the strategic focus on enhancing aerial strike capabilities, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict. For more details on this significant military upgrade, see how these drones are being utilized for the first time in operations in targeting key infrastructure.