Russia shifts strategic bombers to Murmansk amid missile threat
Satellite images indicate that Russia has transferred one-third of its strategic bombers, including 12 Tu-95MS and 13 Tu-22M3, to the "Olenya" airfield in the Murmansk region, writes "Defense Express," analysing satellite images. The editorial notes that this base is one of the main air force bases of Russia during mass missile attacks on Ukraine.
"Defense Express" analyses satellite images of the Russian military base. "As of 15 May 2024, there were 12 Tu-95MS strategic bombers, 13 Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, one Tu-160, and two An-12 military transport aircraft," we read.
The editorial also notes that the "Olenya" airfield is one of the main bases of the Russian air force during mass missile attacks on Ukraine.
According to various estimates - the UK Ministry of Defence and the Main Directorate of Intelligence - the Russians have about 40 Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers. This suggests that the Russians have gathered one-third of the total number of combat-ready bombers of this type at the "Olenya" airfield.
Are the Russians afraid of an attack?
As analysts indicate, the fact of placing one-third of the combat-ready bomber fleet at such a distant airfield might indicate not only that the Russian Federation is preparing for new attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure.
Probably, the Russians wanted to hide their most valuable machines from potential Ukrainian attacks.
In turn, the registered An-12 military transport aircraft were likely used for flights necessary to gather cruise missiles at the "Olenya" airfield.
