MOSCOW, Russia: New Russia drone bases near Belarus and Ukraine could place parts of NATO territory, including Warsaw, within range of Moscow’s latest long-range attack drones.
A Telegraph investigation identified 10 sites with at least 59 newly built launch rails. Researchers used leaked documents and satellite imagery to map the infrastructure.
Drone intelligence firm DroneSec found that about 20 rails appeared long enough for newer long-range systems. Some sites use former military bases and civilian airports. Others sit in rural areas.
The report says Russia has upgraded Iranian-designed Shahed drones into faster jet-powered variants. Newer models can reportedly travel nearly 620 miles.
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Ukrainian documents cited in the report identify Geran-4 and Geran-5 variants with payloads of up to 90 kilograms. Ukrainian military intelligence also says Russia is testing air-to-air weapons on some Geran drones.
Open-source tracking showed that Russia had already used seven of the 10 sites in attacks on Kyiv. One facility also appeared capable of storing more than 1,000 drones.
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DroneSec chief executive Mike Monnik said Russia had expanded its launch network to increase attack volume and make interception harder.
A NATO official told The Telegraph that the alliance was expanding its ability to produce, operate and counter drones. The official said NATO remained ready to defend allied territory.
