Ukraine's military intelligence agency, known as HUR, says a new site near Russia's Millerovo airfield could accommodate up to 100 drone launches a day after construction, potentially expanding Russia's launch capacity against Ukraine.
HUR's Oct. 28 statement gives a preliminary capacity estimate of up to 100 launches per day for a completed facility; it does not say drones have already been launched there. The agency says the layout points to a site for preparing and launching jet-powered attack drones, probably Geran-4 and Geran-5 models or variants. It said operations would hinge on trained crews and serviceable equipment, along with ready-made drone stocks, fuel, warheads and Russian tasking. HUR described the site as part of Russia's network of fixed drone-launch facilities.
Reuters reported that satellite images showed the location changing from open ground on Aug. 31, with building work beginning the following day, to a complex of roughly 0.9 square kilometers by mid-October. Its review identified eight launch platforms; rails were fitted on two, while installation work was visible on two more. Reuters said the facility took shape over about six weeks. HUR said the pace may reflect established technical approaches and resources focused on relatively simple launch infrastructure.
The site lies 3.5 kilometers from Millerovo airfield, HUR said. HUR said the site may use air-defense systems already protecting the airfield. HUR also said the facility could draw on nearby roads, utilities, logistics and technical support.
HUR linked the project to a possible increase in attacks on Ukraine during winter. HUR lists maximum ranges of 770 kilometers for Geran-4 and 950 kilometers for Geran-5, saying those distances could put Ukraine and neighboring countries within reach.
Reuters described the facility as nearly complete on Oct. 15, but HUR's Oct. 28 estimate remains conditional on construction finishing. Neither account confirmed that work had ended or that drones had been launched from the site.
Reuters also quoted Rob Jordan, program director at the Royal United Services Institute, who described the construction pace as notable. Jordan said greater investment in long-range strike capability might leave fewer resources for Russia's conventional land forces, a possibility he raised rather than a confirmed shift in military spending.
