New satellite imagery obtained by RFE/RL shows Russia has expanded Gvardiiske airfield in occupied Crimea into a drone-launch hub.

New satellite imagery obtained by RFE/RL shows Russia has expanded Gvardiiske airfield in occupied Crimea into a drone-launch hub. Ukrainian military sources say the base was first identified as a launch site in March 2025 and now sends out strike drones almost daily. Imagery from October 11 shows no visible aircraft but extensive new infrastructure and dozens of unidentified objects in the airfield’s southwest.