Russia reinforces Olenya airbase after Ukrainian bomber strike

Russia is strengthening the defence of the Olenya airbase following a successful Ukrainian attack. New intelligence data indicates that the military has surrounded the Tu-22M3 strategic bombers with tyres. We describe the capabilities of the Russian aircraft.

The Russians cannot sleep soundly, as Ukrainian forces are increasingly attacking targets deep within the country. The Ukrainian attack on the Olenya base damaged two Tu-22M3 strategic bombers. The Russians believed their aircraft were safe there—the base is nearly 1,200 miles from the front line. Nevertheless, the Ukrainians managed to carry out a successful attack.

Although the attack only caused damage to the aircraft, it was a significant blow for the Russians as their repair would take at least a few months, if not longer. It has become necessary to take appropriate steps to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry of Ukraine's military intelligence, revealed that Russia is strengthening the air defence of the Olenya base, using both anti-aircraft systems and unconventional methods. The best bombers are being secured with tyres.

"In general, other methods are actively used, including rubber devices to protect fighters and strategic aviation. Specifically, we are talking about tires. This is how they protect and plan to increase these improvised means – things that can be done without any high modern technologies," said Andriy Yusov.

Tu-22M3 bombers are a more modern version of the older Tu-22M models. Their undeniable advantage is the ability to carry an impressive amount of armament — up to 24 tonnes. The combat load of these powerful machines includes various types of missiles and bombs. Among them are the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, the Raduga Kh-22 cruise missiles that exceed the speed of sound, as well as 18 FAB-500 guided bombs.

Moreover, these bombers can carry eight heavy FAB-1500 bombs, each weighing one and a half tonnes. Such diversity and quantity of armament allow for striking many targets in a single raid.

Tu-22M3 bombers stand out from other machines not only because of their ability to carry a considerable amount of armament. They also have a high cruising speed of nearly Mach 1.9 (over 1,400 mph). Additionally, their high operational ceiling, reaching about 8 miles, allows for effective bomb attacks on targets in Ukraine while remaining out of reach of most anti-aircraft systems.

Before the invasion of Ukraine began, Moscow had 60 such bombers. They are one of the key elements of the Russian strategy. Thanks to them, Russians can attack critical Ukrainian infrastructure and literally level the most powerful field fortifications. For this reason, any destruction or severe damage to even one Tu-22M3 bomber is significant for the Ukrainians.