Russia fortifies Olenya base after Ukrainian bomber strike

Russia reinforces the defence of Olenya airbase after a successful Ukrainian attack. New intelligence data indicates the military has surrounded strategic Tu-22M3 bombers with tires. We describe the capabilities of Russian machines.

Russians cannot sleep peacefully as Ukrainian forces are increasingly attacking targets deep inside the country. The Ukrainian attack on the Olenya base resulted in damage to two strategic Tu-22M3 bombers. The Russians kept planes there because they believed the location was safe—it is almost 2,000 kilometres from the front. Nonetheless, the Ukrainians managed to carry out a successful attack.

Although the attack only damaged the machines, it was very costly for the Russians—their repair would take at least several months, if not longer. Therefore, appropriate steps were necessary to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Andriy Yusov, spokesman for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence's military intelligence, revealed that Russia is strengthening the air defence of the Olenya base using anti-aircraft systems and unconventional methods. The best bombers are secured with tires.

— In general, other methods are actively used, including rubber devices to protect fighters and strategic aviation. Specifically, we are talking about tires. This is how they protect and plan to increase these improvised means – things that can be done without any high modern technologies — said Andriy Yusov.

Tu-22M3 bombers are a more modern version of older Tu-22M models. Their undeniable advantage is the ability to carry an impressive amount of armaments—up to 24,100 kilograms. The weapons payload of these powerful machines includes various types of missiles and bombs. Among them are Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, Kh-22 Raduga cruise missiles that exceed the speed of sound, and 18 guided FAB-500 bombs.

Additionally, these bombers can carry eight heavy FAB-1500 bombs, each weighing 1,500 kilograms. This variety and amount of armaments allow them to strike many targets during a single raid.

Tu-22M3 bombers stand out among other machines not only for their ability to carry a massive amount of armaments but also for their high cruising speed, which is nearly Mach 1.9 (over 2,200 kilometres per hour). Furthermore, their high operational ceiling, reaching about 12,800 metres, allows for effective bombing attacks on targets in Ukraine while remaining out of reach of most anti-aircraft systems.

Before the invasion of Ukraine, Moscow had around 60 such bombers. They are one of the key elements of Russia's strategy. Thanks to them, Russians can attack Ukrainian critical infrastructure and literally flatten the most powerful field fortifications. For this reason, every destruction or severe damage to even one Tu-22M3 bomber is of great importance to Ukrainians.