Russian Air Base Attacked, Revealing Presence of Tu-22 Bombers
August 22, 2023
A Russian air base that was targeted in an attack on Saturday housed Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers, according to satellite and social media images analyzed by CNN. The base, located in Soltsi within Russia’s northwest Novgorod region, was seen with a number of Tu-22M3 bombers parked on August 8 in satellite images provided by Planet Labs.
Further examination of a satellite image taken on August 21 revealed charred ground where one of the Tu-22M3 bombers had been parked, while the other aircraft appeared to have been moved. CNN geolocated two social media images depicting a similar aircraft on fire at the same base.
The Russian defense ministry initially claimed that the airfield was attacked by Ukrainian drones, resulting in a fire in the aircraft parking lot. However, Ukraine has not taken responsibility for the August 19 attack.
Ukraine, on the other hand, confirmed on Monday that it carried out a drone attack on the Shaykovka air base in Russia’s Kaluga region, over 200 kilometers northeast of the shared border between the two countries. The attack reportedly left “at least one aircraft damaged.” Ukrainian defense intelligence officials, speaking on conditions of anonymity, stated that several aircraft, including two bombers, were destroyed in the attacks on Russian bases in recent days.
The destruction of two Tu-22M3 aircraft, as noted by the Institute for the Study of War, may not have significant military effects on its own. However, it supports Ukraine’s larger efforts to degrade Russian morale, according to criticism by Russian military bloggers.
Tu-22M3 bombers are capable of carrying out nuclear strikes, as well as conventional attacks and anti-ship missions, according to open-source intelligence company Jane’s.
The tensions between Ukraine and Russia remain high, with both sides likely to continue engaging in various hostilities. The world watches closely as these geopolitical conflicts unfold, concerned about the potential escalation of violence and geopolitical implications.