russia bolsters bomber fleet near NATO border amid tensions
According to the Bulgarian Military website, additional Tu-95MS bombers have appeared at the Olenia airbase. These aircraft can carry destructive weaponry, and their relocation to this base "escalates concerns about Moscow's military intentions."
The Olenia base is located on the Kola Peninsula, just 93 miles from NATO borders, while also being approximately 1,118 miles from Ukrainian territory.
more bombers at Olenia base
An analysis of the latest satellite images revealed that there are currently five Tu-95MS bombers, five An-12 transport aircraft, and 38 Tu-22M3 bombers at the base. Compared to previous reports, the Russians have relocated two Tu-95MS bombers here, most likely from the Belaya airbase in Siberia.
Bulgarian Military highlights that the Olenia airbase has a rich history as a key hub in Russian military infrastructure, and since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, it has become the main launch point for Russian strategic aviation striking Ukrainian targets.
dangerous Russian "bears"
The Tu-95MS bombers are often referred to as Russian "bears," a name derived from their NATO code name Bear. Although they have been in service for over 70 years, they remain an effective platform for carrying various types of arsenal. They are capable of carrying loads weighing up to 44,000 pounds, which can include cruise missiles (such as the Kh-101 with a range of up to 2,796 miles) and conventional or nuclear bombs.
An important feature of these bombers is their range, about 7,456 miles, with the capability for in-flight refueling. Due to their four NK-12 turboprop engines, these imposing Russian machines can reach a maximum speed of over 497 mph.
