Satellite Images Reveal New Russian Shahed Drone Base Just 35 km From Ukraine Border

Russia has built a new launch site for Shahed attack drones (also known as “Geran”) just 35 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, Militarnyi reported on September 19, citing analyst Brady Africk.

Satellite images published on X by Africk show a sprawling launch complex located between the villages of Voyna, Oleshok, Holyshyna, Zhyvyi Klyuch and Martynivka in Bryansk region.

The images reveal four storage areas concealed under large revetments, with hangar-like structures visible inside, and two launch pads equipped with catapult systems.

Russian forces have regularly erected similar sites both in border regions and on temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory, according to Militarnyi. In early August, reports said one such facility at the Primorsko-Akhtarsk airfield was struck.

The Dnipro project also recorded two other complexes in Oryol and Bryansk regions. One lies about 175 kilometres from the Ukrainian border near the village of Tsymbulova in Oryol region and is considered a principal launch hub for Russia’s long-range drones; it is among the largest known sites and was the location of a state TV report showing launches toward Ukraine.

A smaller complex has been built near the village of Navlya in Bryansk region. It mirrors the main site’s infrastructure but is scaled down: there are three bunker-style storages on site, and no fixed launchers—launches there are carried out from vehicles.

Previously, Russia’s elite drone operations center “Rubicon” has been identified inside the Patriot Exhibition Center near Moscow after details in state media broadcasts inadvertently revealed its location.

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