On Monday, the newspaper The Telegraph reported that Russia has likely created secret bases capable of launching powerful drones that could threaten NATO countries. The publication’s investigation revealed ten Russian bases equipped with newly constructed launch platforms for the most advanced Russian long‑range strike drones.
Some of these bases are already being used to attack Ukraine, but they also pose a long‑term threat to NATO allies because they lie within the range of Russia’s high‑tech strike drones. This rapidly developing technology could be employed against Europe in a conflict, and several bases could enable the most powerful Russian drones to reach Warsaw.
Threat to Poland and NATO reinforcement
The British publication also says that intelligence officials from Europe and the United States believe Russia is considering an armed provocation on Polish territory, including missile or drone attacks on critical infrastructure. A NATO representative told the newspaper that the alliance “is ready to defend every inch of allied territory” and will continue to strengthen its “deterrence and defence capabilities against any threats, including those from drones”.
Analysis of satellite images conducted by The Telegraph identified several new launch ramps used for drone operations along the Russian border with Belarus and Ukraine. Some drone bases have been converted from military facilities and civilian airports, while additional launch platforms have been installed in rural areas of Russia.
Modernisation of Shahed drones and their range
Image analysis by the company DroneSec, which specialises in drone intelligence, showed that the recently installed ramps are longer, suggesting they can launch the latest Russian long‑range strike drones. The publication notes that Moscow is rapidly modernising its version of the Iranian drone Shahed, fielding newer variants equipped with jet engines that can strike targets at distances of up to nearly 1,000 kilometres.
Deploying these new variants from the identified bases would allow Russian drones to reach the capital of Poland, although there are currently no indications that Russia plans such an attack. Meanwhile, NATO leaders are preparing for a possible future conflict.
Source: La Vanguardia
