Ukrainian drones strike Russian airbase, damage critical aircraft

Ukrainians carried out a successful attack on a Russian airfield. Using "Luty" drones, they managed to damage planes parked in open areas.

Ukrainian "Luty" drones executed a successful strike on the Russian airbase "Savasleyka," where MiG-31K aircraft armed with Kh-47 "Kinzhal" missiles are stationed. According to Defence Express, the attack not only destroyed specific T-6 fuel stocks but also damaged at least one combat aircraft.

Evidence of the attack includes a video from the airfield published by Russian soldiers. Among other details, the video shows an Il-76 transport plane and a MiG-31—though it remains unclear whether it was a MiG-31B, an interceptor, or a MiG-31K, a carrier of "Kinzhal" missiles. The video also reveals that the aircraft were in open areas without any cover, suggesting the attack took the Russians by surprise.

There is no so-called "boneyard" for damaged vehicles at the airfield, indicating these are operational aircraft. The planes did not have time to take off or leave the base, making them easy targets.

The "Savasleyka" base lacks shelters for aircraft, and the planes are spread across three open areas. For this reason, as Defence Express notes, the risk of destroying many aircraft in a single attack is high. Detailed information about the strike's impact may emerge only after analyzing satellite images and other 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 significant equipment losses. 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 neutralize one of the greater threats from the enemy.

Hypersonic Kinzhal missiles are modern weapons designed for precise attacks on high-value targets. They are characterized by their enormous speed, making them difficult to intercept by missile defense systems.

Kinzhals can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, increasing their combat effectiveness. They have a range of up to 1,200 miles, allowing them to strike targets far beyond the front lines. An example of their use was a massive attack on Ukrainian critical infrastructure, demonstrating their destructive potential.