New satellite images obtained by RFE/RL show that Russia has expanded the Shumir airport in Crimea into a UAV launch center. Ukrainian military sources say the base was first identified as a launch site in March 2025 and is now sending out drones almost daily. Images from October 11 show no visible aircraft, but extensive new infrastructure and dozens of unidentified objects at airports in the Southwest.

New satellite images obtained by RFE/RL show that Russia has expanded the Shumir airport in Crimea into a UAV launch center. Ukrainian military sources say the base was first identified as a launch site in March 2025 and is now sending out drones almost daily. Images from October 11 show no visible aircraft, but extensive new infrastructure and dozens of unidentified objects at airports in the Southwest.