Russia moves strategic bombers closer to NATO borders
The latest satellite images of the Russian Olenya Airbase, located just 124 miles from the borders of Finland and Norway, suggest that the Kremlin has decided to relocate a more significant number of strategic bombers there. Military analysts have noted that 12 Tu-95MS bombers, 13 Tu-22M3 bombers, one Tu-160, and two An-12 military transport planes are stationed at the base.
The satellite images showing Russian strategic bombers at the Olenya Airbase are from 15 May this year. This is one of the main bases that the Russians use for conducting massive missile attacks on Ukraine.
Russians relocate bombers to Olenya Airbase
Estimates from the UK Ministry of Defence and the Russian Ministry of Defense’s Main Intelligence Directorate indicate that the Kremlin possesses about 40 Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers. Nearly one-third of this bomber fleet is located at the Olenya base. In contrast, it is worth remembering that at the end of April 2024, there were only six Tu-22M3 bombers at this base, as reported by Defence Express.
According to Defence Express, the relocation of more bombers to the Olenya base suggests that Russia is most likely preparing for new attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure. Additionally, such moves by the Kremlin may be motivated by the desire to protect these valuable aircraft, which have concerns about potential long-range Ukrainian drone attacks. It is possible that the An-12 transport aircraft visible at the Olenya base are being used to deliver cruise missiles.
Russian bombers over Ukraine
The Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 bombers are actively involved in conducting missile attacks on Ukraine. The first aircraft, the Tu-95 (NATO code: Bear), has been in service for over 70 years but still proves highly effective. The Tu-95MS version, produced by the Russians since 1992, is nearly 50 metres long, with a similar wingspan and a height of over 13 metres. Its payload capacity is 20,000 kg.
The Tu-95MS can fly at a speed of 830 km/h. The Russians have adapted it to carry various armaments, such as Kh-101 or Kh-65 cruise missiles. Its primary armament consists of two AM-23 onboard cannons and two double-barrelled GSz-23 23 mm cannons in the tail.
The Tu-22M3 (NATO code: Backfire) is a modernised version of the Tu-22M bombers. The aircraft has received numerous upgrades, increasing its range to 6,800 km and maximum speed to 2,300 km/h. The payload capacity has also been increased. The takeoff weight of this bomber is 126,500 kg, of which 24,000 kg can be armament. For instance, the Tu-22M3 can carry Kh-22 Raduga and Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles, which pose a significant challenge for Ukrainian air defence.
The Tu-160 (NATO code: Blackjack), known unofficially as the "White Swan" due to its appearance, is a supersonic bomber with variable-sweep wings. It is considered the heaviest supersonic military aircraft in the world. Its production officially ended in 1994, but the aircraft remains in service. The Tu-160 is approximately 55 metres long, over 13 metres high, and has a wingspan of 36 metres. The bomber can carry 28,800 kg and fly up to 2,200 km/h.
