A Telegraph investigation has uncovered that Russia has built at least 10 new or upgraded drone bases along its borders with Belarus and Ukraine, significantly expanding its capacity to launch long-range attack drones toward both Kyiv and NATO territory.
Analysis of satellite imagery and leaked documents identified at least 59 newly constructed launch rails across the 10 military and civilian sites in western Russia. The investigation, carried out in partnership with drone intelligence firm DroneSec, found that roughly 20 of these rails are unusually long, a tell-tale signature of Russia’s newest jet-powered long-range drones, including the Geran-4 and Geran-5 variants.
Warsaw Within Striking Distance
Several of the new bases place the Polish capital within range of Russia’s most capable attack drones. The Geran platform, a Russian development of Iran’s Shahed design, can carry warheads of approximately 90 kilograms over distances approaching 1,000 kilometers. Warsaw sits well within that envelope from multiple identified sites, raising fresh concerns about NATO’s eastern flank.
Mike Monnik, CEO of DroneSec, warned that the expansion reflects a deliberate effort to scale up drone operations while making launches harder to intercept. “This launch site expansion shows how Russia has expanded its ability to launch greater numbers of drones while at the same time using technology to make the types of drones used more difficult to intercept,” he told The Telegraph.
Storage for Over 1,000 Drones
At one of the identified bases, analysts found storage facilities capable of holding more than 1,000 attack drones simultaneously. Construction of additional launch positions is still underway at several sites, suggesting Russia is not finished expanding the network. Seven of the 10 sites have already been used in recent Russian attacks on Kyiv, according to open-source flight tracking data.
The infrastructure is being supplied by Russian production facilities, including the Alabuga special economic zone, one of Moscow’s main drone manufacturing centers. The expansion does not necessarily indicate an imminent attack on NATO allies, but it gives the Kremlin additional options should it decide to escalate against the alliance, analysts warned.
The findings come as US intelligence has cautioned European allies that Russia could be preparing “hybrid” operations in Europe, with Poland frequently cited as a potential target. NATO members have spent recent months bolstering air defenses and revising military readiness plans in response to growing threats from Russian drone activity over member states including Denmark, Germany, and Belgium.
The investigation was published as Poland announced it is preparing for a potential major Russian provocation within months, with Warsaw investing heavily in counter-drone systems and border security along its eastern frontier.
Sources: The Telegraph; Kyiv Post; DroneSec; UNITED24 Media; Ukrainska Pravda
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