Satellite images confirm Ukraine’s claim of destroying a Russian Tupolev Tu-95 bomber with a drone attack. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported its drones traveled roughly 500 miles to hit the Engels-2 airfield overnight from July 15-16. This operation demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to target deep within Russian territory.
Images from Planet Labs, dated July 19, appear to support Ukraine’s report, showing the bomber’s tail section demolished at the Engels-2 base in Russia’s Saratov region. AviVector, a satellite imagery account, also posted photographs, stating that the Tu-95MS’s tail was completely destroyed and beyond repair.
Impact on Russian Strategic Aviation
The Engels-2 airbase is home to Russia’s 184th and 121st Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiments. The SBU emphasized that this strike indicates Russian strategic aviation cannot be deemed secure even at its most distant military installations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the action as a successful “long-range sanction” against Russia, using a term for significant long-distance strikes.
Role and Importance of the Tu-95 Bomber
The Tu-95 is a key Soviet-era strategic missile carrier for Russian forces, capable of launching cruise missiles across Ukraine. It can carry up to six missiles, costs over $26 million, and has a range of 8,000 miles. The bomber is deemed more reliable and easier to maintain compared to the Tu-160.
As of 2023, Russia operates 45 Tu-95MS bombers and 18 upgraded Tu-95MSM aircraft. The end of Tu-95 production in 1992 means the loss of one permanently reduces Russia’s active fleet size, which is estimated to be between 27 and 34 operational aircraft.
According to Army Recognition, the elimination of each strategic bomber spares Ukrainian cities from dozens of missiles, saving lives and causing significant economic losses to Russia. The website Oryx, which uses imagery to document war losses, states that Russia has lost 11 Tu-95MS bombers since the full-scale invasion began.
Further Drone Strikes on Russian Territory
This week, Ukraine has increased drone attacks on Russian sites, targeting logistical centers belonging to Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer. Drones hit sites in St. Petersburg, Tver, and Crimea. Videos on social media depicted black smoke over St. Petersburg near a logistics park where Wildberries operates.
Another Wildberries facility in the Shushary district of St. Petersburg also reported a strike, showing black smoke. These actions coincide with a statement from General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. He confirmed a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet shot down a Russian jet in airborne combat for the first time.