1. Introduction

Rubikon is a Russian military program presented as a "Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies." Since 2023 it has been publicly associated with the large-scale use of FPV drones and loitering munitions in the war against Ukraine. The project appears to combine R&D, training, and field testing of UAV systems. While Russian state media presents Rubikon as a symbol of technological progress, open-source analysis suggests it is closely tied to specific training grounds near Moscow.

2. Organization & Activities

• Functions: drone development, operator training, field testing, integration with AI and robotics.
• Units: includes technical engineers, drone instructors, and combat detachments.
• Specialization: FPV drones, loitering munitions (Lancet), robotic ground systems, experimental counter-EW measures.
• Public statements: Russian MoD representatives emphasized Rubikon as a "school" for drone warfare and as a hub for innovation.

3. Capabilities & Reported Results

• Russian media reported Rubikon-trained units conducted thousands of FPV strikes in Ukraine during 2024–2025.
• Integration with the Lancet loitering munition program was highlighted.
• Claims of "dozens of destroyed Western tanks" appear inflated; OSINT verification shows many strikes were against soft targets or light vehicles.
• Key achievement: establishing a structured pipeline for drone pilots and rapid prototyping.

4. Probable Location

4.1 OSINT Clues

• Telephone codes linked to the Moscow region (495).
• Official visits: Russian Defense Minister visited Rubikon in early February 2025.
• Infrastructure: drone hangars, barracks, training ranges visible in released photos.

4.2 Candidate Sites

• Alabino / Patriot Park (Moscow region)
  • Pros: large training area, close to MoD HQ, existing drone/test facilities, nearby barracks.
  • Evidence: photos from February 2025 show forest strips, young trees, and snow levels consistent with Alabino.
  • Additional factor: proximity to Moscow, where multiple electronics and radio component markets are located. This logistical advantage makes it easier for Rubikon to source parts for rapid prototyping and drone assembly.
• Kolomna UAV range
  • Pros: known UAV testing site.
  • Cons: surrounding forest appears older/different in satellite imagery; less likely based on visual match.
• Other ranges (less probable): air bases or RVSN sites in central Russia are unlikely due to conflicts with flight safety.

4.3 Visual & Weather Analysis

• Photos released on 3 February 2025 show little snow cover, only patches on hills.
• Meteorological data confirms minimal snow in the Moscow region (Alabino area) during 1–3 February 2025.
• This supports the Alabino/Patriot Park location hypothesis.

5. Context & Implications

Rubikon represents the institutionalization of Russia’s wartime drone improvisation. It provides:

• Structured training for FPV pilots at scale.
• A testbed for integrating robotics and AI.
• A propaganda tool, presented as a high-tech "innovation hub."

Comparative context: Western counterparts (e.g., US DARPA programs, Ukrainian drone schools) rely more on decentralized innovation. Rubikon centralizes under MoD control, reflecting Russia’s preference for military vertical structures.

6. Conclusion

Based on open-source indicators (photos, weather, geography, official visits), Rubikon is most likely located in the Alabino–Patriot Park area, near Moscow. It functions as a combined training, testing, and propaganda center for Russia’s military drone operations. While achievements in FPV warfare are real, many of the reported results are exaggerated for domestic and international audiences.

This analysis is based exclusively on open-source information (media reports, imagery, meteorological data). No classified sources were used.

Figure 1 – Alabino Training Ground (Moscow Region, Russia).
Satellite imagery (Google Maps) at coordinates 55.5405° N, 36.9558° E. This area hosts the Patriot Park complex and nearby military barracks, consistent with Rubikon’s reported activities.