Russia fortifies border airbases with S‑400 defence upgrades
Satellite image analysis has revealed that the Russians are deploying additional S-300 and S-400 air defence systems to military airports closest to the Ukrainian borders. Furthermore, they are constructing hangars for airplanes at some of these bases. These efforts are intended to enhance the protection of Russian aviation from further attacks by Ukrainian drones and long-range missiles.
In recent months, Ukraine has systematically targeted sites in Russia. Infrastructure related to oil processing, as well as ammunition depots (e.g., in Toropets) and military airports, have been struck by Ukrainian drones and long-range missiles supplied by Western allies. The Russians have decided to fortify these airports further.
Russians strengthen bases near Ukraine
According to Radio Svoboda's portal, the examination of the latest satellite images confirms changes at bases such as the Millerovo air base in the Rostov region and the Belbek air base in occupied Crimea. New positions for S-300 and S-400 air defence systems, which were absent before the end of last year, have been established by the Russians.
Additionally, satellite images reveal that the Russians are constructing hangars, designed not only to protect airplanes from drones but also to complicate reconnaissance efforts by the Ukrainians and their allies. These constructions have been observed at the two bases mentioned above, as well as at the Primorsko-Akhtarsk airport in the Krasnodar region.
Russians deploy the best air defence systems
Last fall, the Joe Biden administration permitted Ukraine to use American weapons against targets deep within Russia. This primarily involves the ATACMS ballistic missiles, which can reach up to 300 kilometres.
As a result, the Russians have relocated some of their military aircraft from airfields within reach of these weapons to other bases. However, they have not completely abandoned facilities that are most threatened by Ukrainian arms. An increasing problem for the Russians is not only the American missiles but also the drones used by Ukrainians, some of which have a range of several hundred kilometres.
The S-300 and S-400 systems (alongside the Pantsir-S1) are the most important air defence systems currently employed by the Russians. The S-400s are regarded as the most effective weapons of this type in Putin's military arsenal. They can intercept not only drones, airplanes, and helicopters but also cruise missiles and ballistic missiles traveling at high speeds. Their range depends on the type of target and the missiles used. It varies from 40 kilometres (9M96 rockets) to even several hundred kilometres (40N6E rockets).
