By Riffat Kausar
Snn News Finland
Russia Drone Bases Near NATO Confirmed by Satellite Imagery
Russia Builds or expanded at least 10 drone bases along its borders with Ukraine and Belarus, according to a Telegraph investigation published 16 August 2026 based on satellite imagery and leaked documents.
The newspaper said the network includes at least 59 newly built launch rails and could eventually put NATO territory, including the Polish capital Warsaw, within striking range of Moscow’s newest long-range attack drones.
The investigation drew on analysis by Russia Builds drone-intelligence firm DroneSec, which reviewed the satellite imagery.
DroneSec founder Mike Monnik said the expansion shows Russia Builds has grown its capacity to launch larger numbers of drones while adopting technology that makes them harder to intercept.
How the Russia Drone Bases Near NATO Were Identified
The Russia Builds 10 sites combine repurposed military bases, civilian airports, and newly constructed facilities in remote areas of Russia.
DroneSec’s analysis found that around 20 of the 59 launch rails are unusually long long enough, the firm said, to accommodate Russia’s newest long-range drones, the jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5.
Ukrainian intelligence says the latest Geran variants can strike targets almost 1,000 kilometers away while carrying a warhead of roughly 90 kilograms. Several of the identified sites would place Warsaw within that range.
Ukrainian officials have also said Russia is experimenting with fitting some Gerans with air-to-air missiles, which would let them target defending aircraft rather than ground targets.
Sites Already Used Against Ukraine
Seven of the 10 identified sites have already been used to launch attacks on Ukraine, according to tracking data cited by the Telegraph, including recent bombardments of Kyiv.
The network’s immediate purpose remains the war in Ukraine, the paper reported, though the buildout adds to a wider expansion of Russian military infrastructure along NATO’s northern and Baltic borders.
The Telegraph said it found no evidence that Moscow is currently planning an attack on NATO territory.
The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, assessed separately that the construction likely supports future Russian operations against NATO rather than signaling an imminent strike, noting that most Russia Builds combat power remains committed to the war in Ukraine.
Key facts
- At least 10 Russian drone bases identified near the Belarus and Ukraine borders
- At least 59 launch rails found; roughly 20 long enough for long-range Geran-4/Geran-5 drones
- One site reportedly capable of storing more than 1,000 drones
- Newer Geran variants have a stated range of nearly 1,000 km, putting Warsaw within potential reach
- Seven of the 10 sites already used in strikes on Ukraine, including Kyiv
- Russia Builds
FAQs:
Is this a confirmed Russian attack plan against NATO?
No. The Telegraph found no evidence of a planned attack, and the Institute for the Study of War said the buildout likely supports future capability rather than an imminent strike.
What are Geran drones?
Geran-4 and Geran-5 are Russia Builds, jet-powered attack drones derived from Iran’s Shahed-136 design, used extensively against Ukrainian cities since 2022.
Could these drones actually reach Warsaw?
Some of the identified sites are positioned such that Geran drones with a nearly 1,000 km range could theoretically reach the Polish capital, according to Ukrainian intelligence estimates cited in the reporting.
Who verified this information?
The Telegraph’s findings are based on leaked documents, satellite imagery, and independent analysis by drone-intelligence firm DroneSec.
Has NATO responded officially?
No official NATO statement on this specific report was found at the time of writing; this article will be updated if one is issued.
What This Means for European Security
The findings add to a series of incidents in 2026 in which drones have crossed into NATO airspace, including over Denmark which Danish officials described as a “hybrid attack” as well as reported sightings near German and Belgian airfields.
Euromaidan Press Russia builds and expands at least 10 drone bases
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