Ukraine Strikes Droneport Used for Shahed UAV Launches

Satellite imagery of the Primorsko-Akhtarsk military air base – used by Russia to launch long-range drones – has confirmed damage to key infrastructure following Ukrainian strikes.

The Ukrainian geospatial intelligence project CyberBoroshno reported that, during the overnight drone attack between August 1st and 2nd, three structures used to store Shahed-type UAVs had been successfully hit on the airfield grounds (see photos 1 and 2).

Researchers noted that there had been significant activity by cargo vehicles and UAVs around the affected buildings. Additionally, a facility used for the storage and preparation of aerial munitions was critically damaged (photo 3).

Moreover, multiple fire outbreaks were recorded in different areas of the airfield, along with unusual activity near one of the drone launch pads.

The Primorsko-Akhtarsk air base is routinely used by Russian tactical aviation. However, with the increased use of strike drones, a separate infrastructure for launching UAVs was constructed near the main base.

The so-called ‘droneport’ consists of three small areas used exclusively for storage, pre-flight preparation, and the launch of drones.

Geoint researcher Dnipro identified eight stationary drone launch platforms deployed on the premises. In addition, the nearby runway may be used for launching UAVs from vehicles.

According to his information, the military airfield is protected by an S-400 surface-to-air missile battery consisting of six launchers, as well as two radar stations. Local media reported on their activity during the night of the attack.

However, Primorsko-Akhtarsk is not the only launch site used by Russian operators of long-range UAVs. In addition to it, geoint researcher Dnipro has identified two more facilities located in the Oryol and Bryansk regions.

One launch site is situated near the village of Tsymbulovo in the Oryol region, approximately 175 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. It is considered the main droneport for Russia’s long-range UAVs. This facility is among the largest known, and it was on its grounds that the Russian Zvezda TV channel filmed a propaganda report showcasing drone launches against Ukraine.

The site hosts eight stationary launch platforms and a 2.80 km stretch of road used for launching Shahed drones from vehicles. Additionally, 15 bunker-style storage facilities have been built on the premises, one of which was previously destroyed by three Storm Shadow missiles.

Another launch site is located near the village of Navlya in the Bryansk region. It is significantly smaller than the previously mentioned facility but replicates its infrastructure. The site contains three bunker-style storage units and does not have stationary launch platforms, relying solely on vehicle-based drone launches.