Ukraine's targeted strike reveals Russian airbase secrets
The airport in Adygea, near Krasnodar and close to the Black Sea coast, is approximately 400 kilometres from the front line. Despite this distance, the Ukrainians still managed to execute a successful attack on the facility. There had been earlier rumours that it was a training facility, but satellite images disprove this theory.
Adygea was the target of one of the latest attacks conducted by Ukrainian armed forces against the Russian aggressor. The location was not chosen randomly, as it hosts one of the Russian Federation's military bases. Initially, it was thought to be a military school, but based on satellite images, the Ukrainians targeted a much more valuable facility — a base where significant aircraft are stored.
A strong strike on the Russian airport
Local authorities in Adygea confirmed that Ukrainian long-range drones hit the airbase, covering approximately 400 kilometres. It was also reported that the shelling caused a fire, and there were mentions of the destruction of "something very important" — according to the Ukrainian portal Defence Express. This is backed up by the fact that authorities decided to evacuate residents of the village adjacent to the airport.
The latest satellite images provided by ESA show that the airport in Adygea is now a military facility. It is also known which aircraft were stationed at the location before the shelling. Defence Express notes that one can see Su-30, Su-45, and Su-35 aircraft in the satellite images. However, training aircraft like the L-39 were not observed there. Additionally, all of the mentioned Su fighters have blue camouflage used by frontline machines.
Three different aircraft models
The attacked airport housed, among others, the Su-30, an aircraft developed from the iconic Su-27, which was introduced into service in the 1980s. The Su-30 is characterised by high manoeuvrability and the ability to engage in close-range air combat. Equipped with two AL-31FP engines and front canards, it can perform complex aerial manoeuvres.
The Su-34 was developed based on the Su-27, differing primarily by having a reinforced structure and a two-seat cockpit. The Su-34 can carry various air-to-ground armaments, including FAB bombs with a UMPK module, enabling precise long-distance attacks.
The Su-35 is an evolution of the Su-27, equipped with the latest technologies and more powerful AL-41F1 engines. Its main differences from its predecessors include an improved avionics system and advanced radar, which significantly increase its combat capabilities. As a result, the Su-35 is capable of detecting and destroying targets at longer ranges.
Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35 play key roles in Russian military aviation. Each model is distinguished by different features and capabilities that meet various operational needs. The Su-30 excels as a multi-role fighter, the Su-34 as a tactical bomber, while the Su-35 represents the latest evolution of air superiority fighters.
