Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces Destroy Training Base of Russian GROM Kaskad Drone Brigade

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) have destroyed the training base of the Russian GROM Kaskad unmanned aviation brigade, which launches Geran-type strike drones, including jet-powered versions, against Ukraine.

The Exilenova+ community published satellite imagery.

Satellite imagery suggests the base was located on the grounds of the Viktoria boarding house in the village of Bilosarayska Kosa on the coast of the Sea of Azov, near Mariupol.

The attack took place on the night of September 15-16, 2026. According to reports, at least 15 explosions were heard at the site. Satellite imagery shows that four buildings containing hotel rooms were completely destroyed.

GROM Kaskad

The GROM Kaskad Separate Unmanned Aviation Brigade is the first unmanned aviation formation within Russia’s Aerospace Forces. It was formed in October 2023 from the Kaskad BARS volunteer detachment, which had operated since 2022.

The brigade has at least two reconnaissance and strike battalions equipped with ZALA/Lancet, Orlan-30, SuperCam, and FPV drones, as well as one specialized reconnaissance battalion that is also involved in directing ballistic missile strikes.

In August 2025, the first reports emerged that the brigade had received Shahed-type strike UAVs. At the time, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence established that GROM Kaskad’s commander was Lt. Col. Ruslan Negrub.

According to intelligence estimates, the brigade also includes Russian officials and lawmakers who sign short-term contracts and receive combat veteran status.

Reports claim that the brigade has launch teams for various types of UAVs at the Tsimbulova droneport, as well as at the Donetsk and Hvardiiske airfields.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence established that on July 26, 2026, Combat Group No. 3 of the brigade launched a Geran-4 jet-powered drone at an ATB supermarket in Chernihiv. Two people were killed, and 25 others were wounded in the strike.

In late September, Ukrainian drones hit bunkers and hangars at the Tsimbulova droneport in the Oryol region. Some drones penetrated the bunkers. Several hits involving detonations and damage to hangars were also recorded, while fragments of destroyed UAVs were found at a launch preparation site.

The Tsimbulova droneport is a large Russian military complex near the village of the same name in the Oryol region, designed to store and launch strike UAVs. Satellite imagery shows numerous launch positions, shelters, and other infrastructure, including facilities for Geran-4 jet-powered drones and Geran-5 small cruise missiles.