Russia amasses strategic bombers at Belaya base, sparks concern
An analysis of satellite images of the Belaya base indicates that the Russians have amassed 42 Tu-22M3 bombers there. Analysts from Defense Express point out that this constitutes over 80% of the entire Russian fleet of this type of aircraft and provide possible reasons for such concerning and unannounced movements.
Considering other recent movements of Russian aviation, Defense Express analysts note that Russia has concentrated a significant portion of its entire strategic air fleet at the Belaya base. This base is located in Eastern Siberia, approximately 53 miles from Irkutsk.
Suspicious movements of Russian bombers
In addition to the Tu-22M3, the Belaya base now also hosts other bombers—seven Tu-95MS and seven Tu-160. Analysts consider gathering such a large number of strategic aircraft in one place to be highly unusual.
Additionally, in the first half of May, 26 MiG-31 aircraft were registered at the base, including several MiG-31K versions capable of carrying Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Furthermore, the Belaya base currently houses transport aircraft such as the An-26, An-12, and An-124, which the Russians are likely using to transport their most dangerous arsenal, including cruise missiles.
The purpose of Russian actions
Changes in the number of aircraft at the Belaya base occur frequently, but the current scale of movements is exceptionally large. According to analysts, such a concentration of strategic bombers in one location may aim to confuse Ukraine and the West regarding the operational strategy of Russian aviation. These maneuvers could increase the chances of success in future attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure.
The Belaya base is about 2,796 miles from Ukraine, which means Ukrainians cannot attack it with their long-range weapons. They have attacked many Russian facilities, but mainly those not located more than 621 miles from the border. At the beginning of this year, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the successful testing of a new drone with a range of 1,864 miles. However, even its potential deployment would not threaten the Belaya base.
