Satellite Imagery Verifies Ukrainian Drone Strike on Russian Bomber

Satellite imagery has confirmed Ukraine’s claims that a drone attack destroyed a Russian Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bomber. This bomber, used for long-range strikes inside Ukraine, was targeted at the Engels-2 military base in Russia’s Saratov region. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated that its long-range drones traveled approximately 500 miles to carry out the strike overnight from July 15 to 16. The attack highlights Ukraine’s capability to strike deep inside Russia.

Images from Planet Labs, an earth mapping firm, dated July 19, support Ukraine’s report. They reveal the bomber’s tail section severed at its parked location. AviVector, a satellite imagery account, shared the imagery and stated, “the tail section of the Tu-95MS was completely destroyed and is beyond repair.”

Russia’s Strategic Bomber Vulnerability

The Engels-2 military base supports Russia’s 184th Guards Heavy Bomber and 121st Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiments. The SBU emphasized that the strike implies Russia’s strategic aviation cannot feel secure even at distant military airfields. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the operation as a successful “long-range sanction” against Russia.

The Tu-95 aircraft is a Soviet-era model, serving as the main strategic missile carrier for Russian forces to launch cruise missiles across Ukraine. It can carry up to six cruise missiles, has a cost exceeding $26 million, and boasts a maximum range of 8,000 miles. The Tu-95 is believed to be more reliable and easier to maintain than the newer Tu-160 strategic bomber. As of 2023, Russia operates 45 Tu-95MS bombers and 18 modernized Tu-95MSM aircraft, according to the Kyiv Post. Manufacture of Tu-95 airframes ceased in 1992, making the loss significant. It removes an operational Kh-101 and Kh-555 missile carrier from their fleet, estimated at 27 to 34 usable aircraft, based on military outlet Army Recognition.

“Every strategic bomber eliminated means dozens of missiles that will not be launched at Ukrainian cities, saved Ukrainian lives, and tens of millions of dollars in irreparable losses,” the SBU noted.

Data from Oryx, a site documenting war losses with imagery, states Russia has lost 11 Tu-95MS bombers since the invasion began.

Increased Ukrainian Strikes

Recently, Ukraine intensified strikes on other Russian sites involving logistics centers of Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer. These targets in St. Petersburg and Tver, and the occupied Crimea, were hit by drones overnight Thursday. Social media videos depicted thick black smoke over a logistics park housing the Wildberries facility, south of St. Petersburg. Another strike occurred at a separate Wildberries site in St. Petersburg’s Shushary district, with smoke visible.

The attacks coincide with a statement by General Dan Caine, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman. He announced that a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet had shot down a Russian jet in an airborne battle for the first time.