Russian bombers relocated after Ukrainian drone strikes from afar
The Russians are relocating their aircraft from the Olenya air base in the Murmansk region on the Kola Peninsula due to ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks for at least four days. The base holds significant importance for the Kremlin, housing, among other things, Tu-22M3 and TU-95MS strategic bombers used during air raids on Ukraine.
Defense Express reports that the Russians' decision is related to Ukrainian drone attacks with a range exceeding 1000 kilometres. For several days, drones have been attacking the Olenya air base on the Kola Peninsula, as reported by numerous Russian channels on Telegram. According to the service, Ukrainian attacks have restricted the use of airports in the Murmansk region, and airspace over some areas has been closed due to these attacks.
Ukrainians attack Russian air base
The Russians claim that the Ukrainians are using modified Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat aircraft during the attacks. They allegedly managed to shoot one down in the Murmansk region on 21 August. According to the Russians, the devices have been converted into kamikaze drones and have a basic range of 1100 kilometres but, after modifications, can cover up to 200 kilometres. Russian media first reported on the attacks using modified Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbats in April 2024. The Russians claimed that they occurred in Tatarstan, more than 1200 kilometres from the border with Ukraine.
The Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat is a light aircraft designed in Ukraine by Yuriy Yakovlev. It features a distinctive design and tricycle landing gear. The aircraft was first flown in 1996, and production began in 2000. Originally, it was intended for a two-person crew. It has an empty weight of 270 kilogrammes and a takeoff weight of 450 kilogrammes. Its length exceeds 6 metres, its height is nearly 2.4 metres, and its wingspan is about 9.4 metres.
The Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat can fly at a maximum speed of 170 kilometres per hour, and its original range is estimated at 1100 kilometres. The compact-sized aircraft was created for recreational purposes, but the Ukrainians have adapted it for completely different tasks, converting it into a kamikaze drone.
