Russian air base relocates aircraft amid persistent Ukrainian drone attacks
4:22 PM EDT, August 22, 2024
The Russians are relocating their aircraft from the Olenya air base in the Murmansk region on the Kola Peninsula due to ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks, which have persisted for at least four days. This base holds significant importance for the Kremlin, housing strategic bombers such as the Tu-22M3 and TU-95MS used during air raids on Ukraine.
According to Defense Express, the Russian decision is related to Ukrainian drone attacks, with drones' range exceeding 620 miles. Numerous Russian channels on Telegram have reported that these attacks have targeted the Olenya air base for several days. The service indicates that Ukrainian attacks have restricted the use of airports in the Murmansk region. Additionally, the airspace over some areas has been closed due to the attacks.
Ukrainians attack Russian air base
The Russians claim that the Ukrainians are using modified Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat aircraft during the attacks. They allege that one such aircraft was shot down in the Murmansk region on August 21. According to the Russians, these modified aircraft, which have been converted into kamikaze drones, originally have a range of 680 miles but can cover up to 124 miles following modifications. Russian media first reported on attacks using modified Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbats in April 2024, claiming these incidents occurred in Tatarstan, more than 746 miles from the Ukrainian border.
The Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat is a light aircraft designed in Ukraine by Yuriy Yakovlev. It features a distinctive design and tricycle landing gear. The aircraft was first flown in 1996, with production starting in 2000. Originally intended for a two-person crew, the A-22 Foxbat has an empty weight of 595 lbs and a takeoff weight of 992 lbs. It measures over 20 feet long, nearly 8 feet in height, and has a wingspan of about 31 feet.
The Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat can fly at a maximum speed of 106 mph, and its original range is estimated at 680 miles. Although initially created for recreational purposes, the Ukrainians have adapted it for completely different tasks, converting it into a kamikaze drone.
