A satellite-image investigation by The Telegraph says Russia has built 10 new drone bases with at least 59 launch ramps, putting NATO territory within reach of long-range drones. DR reported the findings on August 17, 2026.
DR reports that the British newspaper The Telegraph uncovered the construction of ten Russian drone bases. The sites hold at least 59 newly built launch ramps for long-range drones, according to the investigation.
Drones fired from the bases could reach several NATO countries, DR writes. That applies in particular to the Baltic states, Poland and Romania. DR also notes that some of the sites are already being used in attacks on Ukraine.
The Telegraph, which published its investigation on August 16, links the risk to newer long-range drone variants. Those models are said to have a range of about 1,000 kilometers, which places Warsaw within reach. The paper stresses that there is no evidence Russia is currently planning such an attack.
Meduza summarized the same investigation and said it drew on satellite imagery and leaked documents. Per Meduza, analysts at DroneSec reviewed the images, and 20 of the launch pads can fire the newer Geran variant.
The Ukrainian outlet NV reports that NATO is monitoring Russia’s long-range strike and drone capabilities in response to the report. The alliance has not published a separate assessment of the ten sites.
Airspace violations on the eastern flank
According to DR, the disclosure comes after repeated airspace violations in the countries named in the investigation. A suspected Russian drone was shot down over Romania on Sunday, the fourth such incident there this year. DR also notes that Danish soldiers have been deployed to Latvia since 2022 as part of NATO’s eastern flank.
Denmark has expanded its military presence in the region alongside other allies. In late July, Russia’s ambassador to Poland, Georgij Mikhno, was summoned to the Polish foreign ministry, DR reports. The meeting concerned a Russian missile that landed and exploded in a Polish field.
Why the report is landing now
The timing follows The Telegraph’s publication of the satellite investigation on August 16, which DR reported the following day. DR places the findings in a wider escalation of drone warfare on both sides of the front.
As reported by DR, up to 600 Ukrainian drones struck targets in Russia overnight, again including warehouses of the online retailer Wildberries. In Russian attacks on Ukraine overnight into Monday, at least nine civilians were killed and 43 wounded. Two of the deaths in Kherson were caused by short-range FPV drones, DR writes.
