Russia Equips Kursk’s Khalino Airbase With Fortified Hangars for Strike Drones, Satellite Data Shows

Russia has equipped the Khalino airbase in the Kursk region with a number of fortified hangars, likely designed to protect its expensive strike unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), according to satellite images published by the Strategic Aviation project on October 27.

The images, dated October 26, show a significant number of protected aircraft shelters built on the airfield's territory. However, only one MiG-29 jet and one Mi-8 helicopter were visible outside the hangars on that date.

These UAVs are critically important to Russian forces: their price can be equal to the cost of a jet aircraft or one-third the price of a MiG-29. The fortified hangars are likely used for the rapid transport and launch of these UAVs against Ukraine.

Air defense assets and a suspected launch mechanism for strike UAVs can also be seen near the airfield itself.

According to Strategic Aviation, during the missile attack on September 28, the Russian forces used two “Banderol” cruise missiles launched from an “Orion” controlled UAV, which took off from this very airbase.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia is expanding Engels-2, a key base for its strategic bomber fleet. Satellite images reviewed by AviVector show new excavation and groundwork, revealing plans to build 12 new aircraft parking stands and the taxiways needed to connect them to the existing infrastructure.

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