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Russia Turns Ruins of Donetsk Airport Into Launchpad for Iranian Killer Drones
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russian forces have begun construction activity at the site of the destroyed Sergei Prokofiev Donetsk International Airport, with satellite imagery and independent analysis suggesting preparations for a new drone launch and storage facility.
According to the open-source intelligence group “CyberBoroshno,” recent satellite images show the partial removal of former fortifications that had blocked the main runway. This activity may indicate efforts to restore the airstrip’s functionality for military use.
The analysis was published alongside imagery obtained by Military Journal, dated July 31, 2025. The images show ongoing construction near the airport’s destroyed “new terminal” and former car park areas, where analysts believe Russia may be installing fuel storage infrastructure or drone support facilities.
Additional activity was recorded on the territory of the former “METRO Cash and Carry” hypermarket located near the airport. The purpose of the construction remains unclear, though the presence of newly built structures suggests the potential transformation of civilian ruins into military infrastructure.
CyberBoroshno analysts claim the current efforts are focused on adapting the site for operating Iranian-designed Shahed drones and their variants, including the “Herbera.”
Construction reportedly includes enclosed shelters for UAV storage, manual control stations, areas for loading combat payloads, decoy positions, and air observation posts. The main runway is also being prepared for possible launch operations.
The analysts added that the UAVs are expected to be used not only for one-way attack missions, but also for unspecified alternative applications. Some modifications, according to the report, may involve rocket-assisted versions of Shahed drones.
The Donetsk airport, heavily damaged during the 2014–2015 battle, became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance during the early phase of Russia’s military intervention. Ukrainian defenders maintained control of parts of the terminal for 242 days, until January 20, 2015, when the structure collapsed following a targeted detonation by Russian-backed forces.
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The recent developments at the airport coincide with previous reports of drone activity in the region. Independent observers have previously recorded launches of strike drones from occupied Donetsk, but this is the first indication of systematic infrastructure reconstruction to support regular UAV operations.
The purpose and scale of the construction at both the airport and nearby commercial sites remain unconfirmed.
Earlier, open-source analyst Kyle Glen reported that Russia launched 6,297 Shahed and Gerbera drones at Ukraine in July 2025—marking a 1,378% increase compared to the same month in 2024. This is the highest monthly total recorded to date.
