The Telegraph: Russia is building a secret infrastructure to launch drones into NATO countries
Journalists have discovered at least 10 sites with new launch pads and dozens of drone launch rails. There is no evidence of preparations for a direct attack on NATO, but the infrastructure that has been put in place could pose a long-term threat to the alliance’s member states.
Russia is expanding its network of secret facilities along its western borders, equipping them with launch pads for modern long-range drones. Some of these bases are already being used to launch attacks on Ukraine, whilst the location of certain facilities potentially allows Russian drones to reach the territory of NATO countries, including Poland. This is according to an investigation by The Telegraph.
Journalists analysed documents and satellite imagery and identified at least 10 Russian sites where new launch pads have appeared. In total, at least 59 new launch rails for drones have been discovered near the borders of Ukraine and Belarus. According to an analysis by DroneSec, around 20 of these are of increased length, which may indicate that such sites could be used for Russia’s latest long-range drones.
The bases are not only located at military sites
As the authors of the investigation have established, Russia is using military sites, civilian airfields and even areas near small settlements to house control centres and launch pads.
Satellite imagery also points to a rapid increase in the number of modern drones. At one of the identified sites, researchers estimate that more than 1,000 drones could be stationed simultaneously. Furthermore, construction of new launch pads is continuing at several strategically important bases, which may indicate a further expansion of this infrastructure.
A potential threat to Poland and other NATO countries
The Telegraph notes that the location of some of these bases theoretically allows long-range Russian drones to reach Warsaw. However, the publication emphasises that there is currently no evidence that Russia is preparing a direct attack on Poland or other NATO countries.
At the same time, American and European officials cited by the newspaper admit the possibility of Russian provocations on Polish territory. Potential scenarios mentioned include attacks on critical infrastructure and false-flag operations aimed at attempting to shift the blame onto Ukraine.