Ukraine just carried out huge drone strikes on multiple airbases far inside Russian territory. This courageous action has resulted in catastrophic losses to Russian military resources. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claimed that they were able to successfully take out multiple strike aircraft during the raids. These actions happened on [insert exact date if known].
Among the targeted sites was the Belaya airfield in Irkutsk, about 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) from Ukraine’s border. Reports suggest that a video filmed amid the assault captured the airfield burning fiercely. Lt. Gen. Vasyl Malyuk, chief of the SBU, remarked on the fallout:
“How beautiful Belaya airfield looks now. Enemy’s strategic aircraft.” – Lt. Gen. Vasyl Malyuk
Aside from the Belaya airfield, other key military commands were hit as well. The Dyagilevo base in Ryazan, nearly 520 kilometers (320 miles) from Ukraine, was among those hit. Further, Ivanovo airbase, which is more than 800 kilometers (500 miles) from Ukraine, was attacked. The Olenya base on the Kola Peninsula, north of Murmansk inside the Arctic Circle, was damaged. It’s because it is located well over 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) from Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian estimates, those drone strikes had affected more than 40 aircraft. This extends to their strategic bombers, such as the TU-95 and Tu-22M3. Notably, one of Russia’s last A-50 surveillance planes was taken out in these operations. Igor Kobziev, the governor of the Irkutsk region, disclosed that the assailants had fired drones from a truck close to the Belaya base. This operation highlights just how audacious the attack was. This approach enabled the most pinpoint bombing of Russian bombers.
On its part, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported shooting down strikes in the Ivanovo, Ryazan and Amur regions. Accounts claim that a half dozen or so planes were set ablaze in the wake of the attacks. That’s exactly what happened in the Murmansk and Irkutsk regions.
The people responsible for carrying out these drone strikes are said to have already returned to Ukraine after the operation. The continued deployment of drone technology changes combat strategy. Ukraine has proven zealous in striking high-value, long-range military targets well outside of its own territory.
