Russia relocates Il‑76 aircraft from border city to Siberia amid security concerns

Russian Air Forces have decided to relocate their Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft from Pskov, a city on the Estonian border, to the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug in Siberia. The move was motivated by concerns over aerial attacks from Ukraine.

According to information provided by the Estonian newspaper Louna-Eesti Postimees, the planes were transported approximately 2,700 kilometres east.

Previously, the Il-76 aircraft stationed in Pskov were the target of a Ukrainian attack, which took place on 29 August last year. The attack, carried out using drones, destroyed four machines and damaged several others.

The newspaper "Louna-Eesti Postimees" cited information from the Telegram channel of Nižnevartovsk city in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. The city's authorities announced that there had been a transfer of equipment and military personnel from Pskov. Representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the local governor discussed moving the aircraft and air force personnel. The living conditions for military families at the new location were also addressed.

The available information shows that about 10 Il-76 aircraft will be permanently relocated from Pskov to Nižnevartovsk. The local airport was also considered for equipping with air defence systems.

The relocation concerns not only equipment but also military personnel and their families. It is estimated that about 1,500 people will be moved in total.