In a significant intensification of the conflict, Ukrainian drones have attacked the Engels airbase, a key site for Russia’s strategic long-range bombers, in a March operation. The daring strike, reportedly conducted by Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence, targeted the base located in the Saratov region. Despite the regional governor’s statement that the drones were intercepted near Engels city without causing damage, Kyiv is evaluating the operation’s outcomes.
The Engels airbase, located near Saratov, is a significant distance from the Ukrainian border—approximately 730 kilometers (450 miles) southeast of Moscow. The base has previously been a target; notably, in December 2022, three Russian air force personnel lost their lives when a drone, believed to be Ukrainian, was shot down at the site.
Russian forces have frequently launched missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian targets since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The response from Ukraine has been to develop and deploy sophisticated drone warfare capabilities, which they deem vital in countering Vladimir Putin’s invasion forces. These strategic strikes have not been limited to within Ukraine’s borders, they have also targeted Russian aircraft based in annexed Crimea, as well as Putin’s Black Sea Fleet which has been forced to retreat towards Russia.
British defence chiefs have noted Russia’s intensified use of “maskirovka”—camouflage and deception techniques—aimed at enhancing the survivability of its military forces. New intelligence updates highlight the use of decoy dummy models of aircraft, tyres on wings, and even painted silhouettes of airframes at several Russian air bases to mislead potential attackers.
In its latest intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence in London said: “Russian military doctrine places high emphasis on the use of camouflage and deception techniques (often known as maskirovka) to enhance the survivability of Russian forces, as well as conceal their operational intent.
“The lack of effective employment of maskirovka was one of Russia’s key operational failures in the early phases of the invasion of Ukraine.”
The briefing continued: “Russian forces have highly likely been making efforts to increase and improve their employment of maskirovka techniques to mitigate the heavy losses sustained over the past two years in both the Black Sea Fleet and Aerospace Forces.
“At Russian air bases, maskirovka applications include decoy dummy models of aircraft and tyres on wings of planes. According to reports there are also painted silhouettes of airframes at nine Russian air bases.
“In the maritime domain, vessels of the Black Sea Fleet have black paint on the bow and stern, likely to make their warships appear smaller and a less appealing target.”
The Engels airbase is not the only strategic location under scrutiny. In the wake of previous drone attacks, Russia has concentrated one-third its strategic bombers at the Olenya Air Base on the Kola Peninsula. Satellite imagery from May 15, 2024, revealed the presence of 12 Tu-95MS, 13 Tu-22M3, a Tu-160 strategic bomber, and two An-12 military transport aircraft at Olenya. The British Defense Ministry estimates that Russia’s operational fleet of Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers is around 40.
Located 1,800 kilometers north of the Ukrainian border, Olenya Air Base, situated on the Kola Peninsula in Murmansk Oblast, Russia, has become a significant location for the Russian strategic bomber fleet. The base hosts long-range bombers such as the Tu-95MS and Tu-160, which can carry both conventional and nuclear cruise missiles. The relocation to Olenya is interpreted as an effort to safeguard these assets from Ukraine’s expanding drone capabilities.
Relevant articles:
– Ukraine drones ‘attack’ main base of Putin’s long-range strategic bomber fleet deep inside Russia , Yahoo News Australia, 05/23/2024
– third of its strategic bombers at Olenya Air Base?, Army Recognition, 05/22/2024
– New pictures of the US Air Force’s newest stealth bomber — the B-21 Raider — just dropped as flight testing continues, Yahoo News Canada, 05/22/2024
– Russia assembles third of combat-ready Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 at the Olenya base., UAZMI – Ukraine News, 05/20/2024
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