Ukraine's strikes burn 882,000 tons of Russian fuel reserves
Recent attacks on Russian bases where aviation fuel is stored have led to the destruction of 882,000 tons of fuel by Ukrainian armed forces, according to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. This fuel could have supported up to 900 combat missions for a group of 21 Tu-22M3 aircraft, each consuming 6 tons of fuel per flight hour.
The Ukrainian armed forces have effectively targeted Russian fuel resources in recent days, resulting in the destruction of a total of 882,000 tons of fuel. The fires caused by these strikes were so intense that they were visible from space. Expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi noted that this amount of fuel could power 900 combat missions for 21 Tu-22M3 bombers, each requiring 6 tons of fuel per flight hour.
Impact of the attack on Russian resources
Analysts from Defense Express explain that Russian aviation regularly employs Tu-22M3 bombers to attack Ukrainian positions. These aircraft typically carry Kh-22 or Kh-32 missiles. By destroying more than 882,000 tons of fuel, Ukrainians have potentially forced the Russians to partially reduce the frequency of Tu-22M3 flights until adequate fuel supplies are restored at the airbases where these planes are stationed.
The destruction of these fuel reserves complicates logistics, meaning that in the near future, Russia's combat capabilities may be limited.
Khrapchinsky added that while attacks on Russia's strategic facilities are significant in the long term, this does not mean that Russia will cease its missile attacks. The Ukrainian armed forces must continue their operations in this area.
Russian Tu-22M3 bombers
The Russian Tu-22M3 bomber is noteworthy for its capability to carry up to 26.5 tons of armament, making it a crucial military asset for the Russian Federation. From a Ukrainian perspective, this aircraft poses a serious threat as it is used to transport, among other weapons, the Kh-32 and Kh-22 missiles, which are particularly challenging for Ukrainians to defend against. The estimated range of the Kh-22 missile, when launched from an altitude of 46,000 feet, is about 342 miles.
Additionally, the Tu-22M3 is equipped to carry other missile types, including the Kh-15 cruise missiles and the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, which has a range of up to about 1,243 miles. These capabilities make the Russian bomber a key component in military operations in the region.
The Tu-22M3 can accelerate to speeds of 1,429 mph, with an estimated range of about 4,350 miles. This aircraft has a length of 139 feet and a wingspan measuring 113 feet.
