Defense Express: Shahed drones from Russia may target nearly all of Europe

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Geran-2 drones — Russia’s version of the Iranian Shahed — have a range of 1,800–2,500 kilometers. Defense Express noted that some launch pads currently used to strike Ukraine, including near Cape Chauda in occupied Crimea and in Russia’s Bryansk region, could also be used against NATO countries.

From a logistical perspective, the area around St. Petersburg is considered the most advantageous location for new launch sites.

If launched within a 1,800-kilometer range from these positions, Shaheds could reach all of Scandinavia, the Netherlands, much of Germany, and southern Italy. With their maximum 2,500-kilometer range, they could strike the United Kingdom, nearly all of France, and most of Italy.

Defense Express also highlighted Russia’s ability to rapidly deploy new launch sites. Establishing pads in Belarus’s Brest region or Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave would add about 700 kilometers to their effective reach. With a 2,500-kilometer range, almost all of Europe — except Lisbon — would fall within range.

On Sept. 19, reports said Russian occupation forces had built a new launch site for attack drones just 35 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. In March 2025, Russia reportedly put three more Shahed launch sites into operation near Primorsko-Akhtarsk, adding to seven already in use.