Russia establishes drone launch hub at Kerch Airport in Crimea

In March 2025, the Kerch airport, located in eastern Crimea, was officially repurposed from a civil aviation facility to a military site under Russian control. This significant transformation has been recorded in Russia's State Real Estate Registry and is visually supported by satellite images from June 12, showing extensive military preparations. Analysis indicates that fortifications and camouflage shelters have been constructed around the runway, suggesting the airport's new role in supporting unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. Aviation expert Anatoliy Khrapchynski remarked that the camouflaged structures are sized to accommodate drone assembly tools and air-defense systems, creating a defense network for UAV launches. The facilities are expected to facilitate not only the staging of suicide drones but also the integration of radar-guided air defense units, critical for safeguarding the launch area against Ukrainian counterstrikes. The Russian Ministry of Defense has gained indefinite control over several land parcels surrounding the airport since early March. The strategic shift of Kerch airport aligns with Russia’s objective to bolster its UAV launch infrastructure closer to the front line as combat intensity has increased. The Ukrainian Air Force has reported operations involving as many as 500 drones utilized in a single strike, highlighting the urgent need for additional launch points. Furthermore, the recent actions by the Atesh resistance movement, which included damaging railway infrastructure near Sevastopol, emphasize the ongoing disruption to Russian supply lines and raise concerns about potential Ukrainian retaliatory operations. Overall, the significant military adaptation of the Kerch airport signifies an escalation in the ongoing conflict in Crimea and underscores shifts in military tactics and strategies employed by both Russian and Ukrainian forces. The consequences of these developments will likely influence future engagements and operational approaches in the region, making it a key focus for analysts observing the dynamics of the conflict.