Photo “exclusively to increase the power capabilities”. What are the Russians preparing at the Kerci Civil Airport

The Kerci Airport from the annexed peninsula is transformed from Civil Airport into a Military Airport, an investigation published on Thursday, June 12, by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which cites satellite images and data from the Russian real estate register. The satellite images, which have been obtained and analyzed by the “Schemes” project of RFE/RL show major works in the area on which the airport is extending, and it will probably be used, according to experts, for the launch of Kamikaze to Ukraine.

On March 4, 2025, the Crimea authorities installed by Moscow officially transferred part of the airport land to the Russian Defense Ministry for unlimited use, according to the journalistic investigation.

Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, after a strongly challenged referendum at international level and carried out under military occupation. Since then, the peninsula has become a strong militarized area.

The satellite images surprised by the American Imaging Company Planet Labs show on the spot, including the installation of protective and camouflage structures around the aircraft.

Changes suggest that the airport is transformed into a military facility capable of supporting drones or hosting short-range anti-aircraft defense systems, such as Pantsir-S1 or Tor-M2, according to Anatoly Khrachinsky aviation expert.

The new track will be suitable for launching drones, Khrapchinsky said.

“It is probably a technical basis for the assembly, storage and launch of UAVs (drones, no). Camuguery structures with dimensions of about 12 meters on 9 meters are suitable for the shelter of equipment, of the ASS Assembly, as well of anti-aircraft defense for the facility, “said Anatoly Khrapchinsky, whose journalists from RFE showed him the photos.

Kerch Airport isting upgraded to meet some drone pic.twitter.com/xjiibsbhno

– Vitaly (@m0nstas) June 12, 2025

According to Khrapchinsky, the Russian authorities rebuild Kerci airport to turn it into a new Shahed drone launching place on the territory of continental Ukraine.

“They need more launch bases. The logic is to distribute and train several groups that program and launch these UAVs. Exclusive to increase capabilities (fire power-no),” Khrapchinsky said for RFE/RL.

Since the beginning of June, Ukrainian air forces have increased the number of drones launched by Russia, up to 500 units within each attack.

Kerci Airport has not hosted regular commercial flights since 2007 and has previously been used as a stationary/parking area for freight trucks crossing the nearby ferry. This function was relocated in March 2025, officially as part of a “reorganization”.

However, starting March 19, 2025, according to the reports of the local press, the parking area was moved from the airport area to another location, being officially invoked “reorganization of the activity of the company”.

The city of Kerci, located near the Strategic Strategic Strait, is located opposite the Krasnodar region of Russia and houses the important bridge of Crimea (nicknamed “Putin's bridge”), built after the illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, notes The Kyiv Independent.

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