Russian Federation launches “Shaheds” from a new site in Crimea – British intelligence
Yesterday, Russians launched at least 15 Shahed attack drones from the Balaklava district of the temporarily occupied Crimea. This is a new UAV launch pad located south of Sevastopol.
This is stated in today’s message of British intelligence in the X network.
In early December, Russian officials said they had intercepted 41 Ukrainian UAVs that were intended to attack Russian military infrastructure in Crimea, particularly in the area of Cape Chauda in southeastern Crimea. There is a well-known Shahed launch site there, which has been used by the Russians since early September.
Balaklava became the fifth confirmed launch site for Shahed drones used in Russian operations against Ukraine. In addition to it and Chauda, there are also known launch sites near the regional centers of Yeysk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in the Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation, and near Kursk.
Thus, Russia is dispersing its UAV launch capabilities across several locations. It does this both to protect its military and equipment and to complicate the work of Ukraine’s air defense.
Russia is likely to use additional launch sites in response to Ukrainian attacks. It will also force Ukraine to adapt to the new transit corridors of these systems.
