Ukrainian drone strikes target key Russian airbases with hypersonic fighters

On the night of 13 to 14 August 2024, Ukrainians carried out drone attacks on three airports located deep in Russia. One of the targets was the Savasleyka airport, situated more than 500 miles from the border with Ukraine. This airport is a base for MiG-31 aircraft, which carry Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, a problematic pair that poses a significant threat to Ukraine.

Ukrainians attacked Russian airports located deep in Russia with drones. This is not the first instance, as they have been regularly attempting to destroy as many Russian aircraft on the ground, with varying results, for several months. The most recent target was the Morozovsk airport, where an ammunition depot and one Su-34 tactical bomber were destroyed. Additionally, the Olenya airport, located about 1,100 miles away, saw two Tu-22M3 strategic bombers damaged.

In this context, the attack on the Savasleyka airport, located about 500 miles away, does not seem extraordinary until the significance of this location is considered. This airport is crucial for the Russians as it serves as a training centre and base for MiG-31 interceptors that carry Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.

Footage of the attack shows one of several drones hitting the airport area. Reports indicate 10 explosions, which could result from multiple drones or fewer strikes, followed by secondary explosions from missiles or bombs stored at the airport.

The outcome of the attack remains unknown, but the pro-Russian Telegram channel Fighterbomber admits that attacks on some of the three airports have been effective. It also notes that life is most peaceful at the most distant airports, which implies a higher risk of losses. Incidentally, the Savasleyka base is the farthest of the three hit airports.

The MiG-31 aircraft, evolved from the MiG-25 fighter, was developed in the 1970s as a heavy interceptor fighter weighing 22 tonnes empty. Its task was to counter NATO strategic bombers. It is characterized by a very long range of about 3,100 miles, a powerful radar allowing for independent detection and elimination of targets at distances of several hundred miles, and a very high speed of about Mach 2.8.

In comparison, most fighters achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2 or just above. This high speed, combined with the unique R-33 or R-37 missiles in the modernised MiG-31BM version, allows for the destruction of enemy aircraft at a distance of up to 125 miles or 185 miles, respectively.

One aircraft can carry four such half-tonne missiles. It is also worth noting that the speed of the aircraft at the moment of missile launch significantly affects its maximum range, increasing the missile's kinetic energy.

Of course, the effective range depends on the target type, as it is possible to hit relatively slow objects, such as transport aircraft or AWACS, at the range limit. However, for fighters, this range will be smaller but still significantly larger than any machine the Ukrainians have. Even F-16 aircraft armed with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles will not be sufficient against the MiG-31.

Over time, the Russians developed the MiG-31K version, intended solely for attacking ground targets with Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. These missiles are particularly problematic because their speed, reaching Mach 10 (about 7,500 mph), makes them an extremely difficult target to intercept. Only a few anti-aircraft systems, such as Patriot or SAMP/T, can shoot them down, and even then, only at about 20–25 miles from the launcher.

For this reason, Ukraine, with only a few batteries of these systems, can protect only a few selected sites, while the rest remain practically defenceless against Kinzhals carrying a warhead weighing about 1,100 pounds. The only consolation is that Russia has a limited number of these missiles and cannot use them as often as it would like.

Therefore, any destruction of these missiles on the ground or damage to the aircraft carrying them is extremely valuable for Ukraine. It is also worth noting that Russia is not producing new MiG-31 aircraft, so any loss of this type of machine is significant for them.