Following a successful Ukrainian drone operation targeting Russian airbases, Moscow has relocated its Tu-160 strategic bombers to the Anadyr/Ugolny airbase in Russia’s Far East, over 4,000 miles from the Ukrainian border. This remote location, previously used during the Soviet era for monitoring US activity, offers protection from further drone attacks. The relocation prioritizes the immediate protection of the bombers over broader strategic concerns, highlighting the effectiveness of the Ukrainian strikes. The Tu-160, a supersonic, nuclear-capable bomber, is a key asset in Russia’s nuclear triad.
Read More
Ukrainian special forces successfully attacked the Engels-2 air base in Russia, detonating an ammunition depot and causing fires and explosions. This key Russian air base, located approximately 450 miles from Ukraine, is used to launch attacks against Ukraine using Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers. The attack, the third on Engels-2 this year, occurred simultaneously with a large-scale Russian missile and drone barrage targeting central Ukraine. While the type of weapon used by Ukraine remains unconfirmed, Russian authorities reported a large-scale drone attack and subsequent civilian damage.
Read More
A recent UAV strike on the Kazan Aircraft Production Association (KAPO) highlights vulnerabilities in Russia’s bomber production. Russia relies on decades-old Soviet reserves to “reproduce,” rather than build from scratch, new Tu-160 and Tu-22M3 bombers, resulting in significant delays and a limited number of operational aircraft. The slow production, coupled with delays in the delivery of modernized Tu-160M and Tu-22M3M bombers, suggests potential issues with engines and onboard systems. This incident underscores concerns about the overall health and capability of Russia’s defense industry.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker