Russia Builds Crimea Base to Launch Naval Drones at Scale

Satellite imagery analyzed by the group shows 21 boathouses near Novoozerne on the shore of Lake Donuzlav, a bay connected to the Black Sea by a narrow channel.

Russia is constructing a specialized base on the western coast of occupied Crimea to store, launch, and service unmanned surface vessels (USVs), according to Ukrainian open-source and geospatial intelligence group CyberBoroshno.

Satellite imagery analyzed by the group shows 21 boathouses near Novoozerne on the shore of Lake Donuzlav, a bay connected to the Black Sea by a narrow channel.

CyberBoroshno assessed that the shelters are intended for housing and launching drone boats, with each structure protected by sand embankments and camouflage netting.

The group has yet to observe Russia deploying USVs from the site, but said the expanding infrastructure suggests Moscow is preparing to field the platforms at scale.

“The creation of such infrastructure indicates that the enemy is probably at the testing stage and is preparing a base for the future deployment of this class of equipment,” CyberBoroshno noted.

Up to 230 USVs Anticipated

Analysts warn that the base could support intensified attacks on Black Sea shipping, Ukrainian military assets, and coastal cities such as Odesa and Mykolaiv.

The construction comes amid reports that Moscow expects to receive up to 230 unmanned vessels this year for reconnaissance, mine-clearing, and strike missions.

Ukraine, meanwhile, continues to target Russian military assets across the Crimean Peninsula with long-range weapons, Sea Baby explosive-laden naval drones and other unmanned boats as it seeks to disrupt Russia’s operations in the Black Sea.

Source: Drone Front