Ukrainian drones target key Russian airbase, damaging aircraft
Ukrainians carried out a successful attack on a Russian airfield. Using "Luty" drones, they managed to damage planes parked in open areas.
15 August 2024 07:31
Ukrainian "Luty" drones executed a successful strike on the Russian airbase "Savasleyka," where MiG-31K aircraft carrying Kh-47 "Kinzhal" missiles are stationed. According to Defence Express, the attack not only destroyed stocks of specific T-6 fuel but also damaged at least one combat aircraft.
Footage from the attack site
Evidence of the attack includes a video from the airfield published by Russian soldiers. Among other things, one can see an Il-76 transport plane and a MiG-31. It is unclear whether it was a MiG-31B, an interceptor, or a MiG-31K carrying "Kinzhal" missiles. The video indicates that the aircrafts were in open areas without any cover, suggesting the attack surprised the Russians.
No designated area for damaged vehicles at the airfield indicates that these are operational planes. The aircraft did not have time to take off or leave the base, making them easy targets.
Easy targets
The "Savasleyka" base does not have shelters for aircraft, and the planes are spread across three open areas. For this reason, as Defence Express emphasizes, the risk of destroying many aircraft in a single attack is high. Detailed information about the strike's impact may only appear after analyzing satellite images and materials from the site. This was also the case after an earlier attack on the "Morozovsk" base.
The Ukrainians are trying to make life difficult for the Russians by causing as much equipment loss as possible. On the night of August 13-14, they attacked three airfields. Destroying Kinzhal missiles and the MiG planes that carry them helps the Ukrainian army avoid one of the greater threats from the enemy.
Hypersonic Kinzhal missiles are modern weapons designed to attack high-value targets precisely. They are characterized by their enormous speed, making them difficult to intercept by missile defence systems.
Kinzhals can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, increasing their combat effectiveness. They have a range of up to 2,000 kilometres, allowing them to attack targets far beyond the frontline. An example of their use was a massive attack on Ukrainian critical infrastructure, demonstrating their destructive potential.
