Ukrainian drone strike hits Russian military might in Krasnodar region

In the Krasnodar region of Russia, there was a disguised drone attack. The operation organized by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) resulted in damage to the refineries there and to a military airport. It turns out that the Russians were storing valuable equipment there, and at least some of it was lost.

The Ukrainian portal Defense Express, specializing in military issues, emphasizes that the initially almost unnoticed attack on the military airport (more attention in the media was paid to the hitting of additional refineries) may prove very painful for the Russians regarding consequences.

Based on satellite photos and recordings from the scene, which have already appeared on social media, a flight control centre building and a warehouse were estimated to be destroyed.

Importantly, the latter contained a stock of UMPK kits, which convert conventional aerial bombs into gliding bombs. The Russians have recently used this type of arsenal in Ukraine, and it constitutes a very serious problem for the defending army.

In a brief statement, representatives of the SBU not only admitted to conducting the attack but added that the Russians stored at the airport "dozens of military aircraft, a radar station, and electronic warfare equipment."

Defense Express points out that mainly tactical bombers Su-34 considered the backbone of Russian aviation, were stationed at the airport. Measuring over 23 metres long and powered by two AL-31F M1 engines, they can reach speeds up to 1900 km/h. The main armament is the GSz-30-1 30mm calibre aircraft cannon, but they can also carry up to 8000 kg of more dangerous, heavy suspended armaments.

In addition to Su-34, the Russians may have also lost Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters, which were also based in the Krasnodar region, as a result of the Ukrainian drone attack. The extent of the losses is, for now, difficult to estimate. Recordings show jet engines operating, suggesting that the Russians tried to move the surviving planes as part of the rescue action.