Russia establishes secret high-powered drone bases near NATO

Russia has established secret bases capable of launching high-powered drones that could reach NATO countries, The Telegraph newspaper reveals on Monday. According to that newspaper's investigation, there are ten Kremlin bases equipped with newly built launch pads for Moscow's most advanced long-range suicide drones. Some of these bases are already being used to heavily attack Ukraine, but they also pose a long-term threat to NATO allies by placing them within range of Russia's high-tech attack drones. This rapidly evolving technology could eventually turn against Europe if war breaks out, as some of the bases put Russia's most powerful drones within range of Warsaw. The British newspaper also states that intelligence officials from Europe and the United States believe that Russia is contemplating the possibility of carrying out an armed provocation on Polish soil, missile or drone attacks against critical infrastructure. A NATO official told the newspaper that the military alliance is “prepared to defend every inch of allied territory” and that it will continue to strengthen its “deterrence and defense capacity against any threat, including those from drones.” Based on analysis of satellite images, the newspaper identified several new launch pads used for drone takeoff along the Russian border with Belarus and Ukraine. Some of the drone operating bases have been converted from military installations and civilian airports, while additional launch pads have been set up in rural areas of Russia. Image analysis by DroneSec, a drone intelligence company, revealed that newly installed ramps appeared to be longer, indicating their ability to launch the Kremlin's latest long-range attack drones. The newspaper highlights that Moscow has been rapidly modernizing its version of the Iranian Shahed drone, deploying newer variants powered by jet engines and capable of hitting targets almost 1,000 kilometers away. The use of these new variants from the identified bases would put the Polish capital within range of Russian attacks, although there is no indication that Russia plans such an attack. However, NATO leaders are preparing for a possible future conflict, he adds.