Russian forces have turned the destroyed Donetsk Airport into a major base for launching attack drones. It is located less than 50 kilometres from the front line, significantly reducing the response time available to Ukraine’s air defence forces.
This was reported by Donbas Realii, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty project, citing Ukrainian military personnel, experts and OSINT analysts.
In late 2024, Kremlin-appointed head of the occupied part of Donetsk region Denis Pushilin promised to begin clearing mines from the area and restore the airport as an “air gateway.” However, by August 2025, analysts had already detected the construction of infrastructure for Shahed and Gerbera drones there.
By the end of 2025, four launchers and around 90 drone storage garages had appeared on the airport grounds. As of June 2026, the number of launchers had risen to seven, while the number of garages had exceeded 130.
In addition to stationary launchers, Russian forces use mobile launch systems mounted on specially equipped vehicles. They drive onto the surviving runways, launch drones and quickly leave the area.
According to analysts, Donetsk Airport is well suited for drone launches because it has runways, large open areas and nearby storage facilities. Donetsk is also protected by a layered Russian air defence system.
The base is primarily intended for strikes on frontline areas of Donetsk region. Due to its proximity to the line of contact, a guided Shahed drone can reach its target in about half an hour.
At the same time, the geographical range of the attacks is gradually expanding. According to monitoring channels, drones launched from Donetsk Airport have already reached Dnipro, the outskirts of Kryvyi Rih, Kyiv and Kharkiv region. Infrastructure for launching faster jet-powered versions of Shahed drones has also appeared at the airport.
Ukrainian forces have said they placed Donetsk Airport under fire control. The Defence Forces strike launchers, loading vehicles, warehouses, fuel trucks and protective systems.
Following Ukrainian attacks, Russian forces began constructing concrete bunkers, hiding equipment in basements and enclosed buildings, strengthening air defences and installing decoys to divert strikes.
Experts say the base could only be fully neutralised through a comprehensive operation involving the destruction of air defences, warehouses, supply chains and key specialists who prepare drones for launch.
Systematic strikes on the infrastructure at Donetsk Airport are already reducing Russian capabilities and giving Ukrainian air defence forces more time to detect and destroy drones.
