Anna Hartz
New satellite images now suggest that a Russian drone base in the Oryol region has suffered damage to its protective structures and hangars.
Russia is building up its drone forces as the war in Ukraine continues, creating new sites to store, prepare and launch unmanned aircraft. These facilities have become important targets for Ukrainian attacks.
A facility in growth
Satellite imagery published on September 21 shows that Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Tsymbulova droneport, according to Militarnyi. The report cited images shared by the Telegram channel Absolutely Reliable.
The facility is located near the village of Tsymbulova in the Oryol region. It is used to store, prepare and launch Russian strike drones, according to United24Media.
Construction began in August 2024, and investigators believe the first launches from the site may have taken place later that year. By 2026, the complex had grown considerably, with new launch areas, storage buildings and other support facilities.
Satellite images reviewed by Militarnyi showed reported impact sites, burn marks and damaged drone equipment. The images also indicate that some strikes reached areas protected by bunkers and affected hangars at the site.
Targeted in the past
By August, the droneport reportedly had 10 launchers for Geran-5 jet-powered drones, six launchers for Geran-4 aircraft, four for Geran-3 drones and three for the standard Geran-2 model.
The base has already been targeted by Ukrainian forces. On the night of August 30, Ukrainian Defence Forces struck storage and launch facilities at the complex. The attack damaged a Geran launch position and a storage facility used for strike drones.
The reported damage comes as Russia continues to expand its drone production and launch infrastructure. One of the country’s largest manufacturing centres is located at Alabuga in Tatarstan.
Satellite imagery has shown construction of underground production halls at the Alabuga complex. Around 42,000 square metres of underground space has reportedly been built for planned Geran drone production lines.
The expansion of these facilities shows the importance of drones in Russia’s war effort. Ukraine’s attacks aim to disrupt the storage, preparation and deployment of the aircraft before they can be used against Ukrainian targets.
