Ukrainian drones target Russian bombers at Engels air base

In the Saratov region (southwestern Russia) on the morning of Wednesday, 20 March, Russian air defence reportedly intercepted Ukrainian drones heading towards the Engels air base. Russian authorities preliminarily indicated no casualties or damage in the city. It appears the Ukrainian drones failed to hit their intended targets – namely the critical Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers. According to reports by the Unian agency, eyewitnesses claimed they heard between two to four explosions, during which "windows trembled".

Notably, at this air base in the Saratov region Russia had recently amassed an additional five aircraft, hinting at a potential for intense attacks deep into Ukraine. The substantial aircraft presence at the Engels base made it a significant target for Ukrainian drones, particularly during the attacks on the morning of Wednesday, 20 March.

Although the strike was ultimately ineffective, the primary targets for the Ukrainians were likely the aforementioned Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft. The former, originating from the 1980s, are designed to carry weaponry up to 20,000 kilograms (these could include Kh-55SM missiles with a range of 3,000 kilometres or Kh-102 missiles with a range exceeding 5,000 kilometres, capable of being fitted with a thermonuclear warhead).

The engines powering these aircraft are four Kuznetsov NK 12 turboprops, each producing 20,119 hp. They propel the Tu-95MS to speeds of up to 830 kilometres per hour, with a range exceeding 10,000 kilometres without the need for in-flight refuelling. The aircraft can operate at altitudes up to 13,500 metres.

The latter gathered at the Engels base, known as the "white swans," are Tu-160 bombers. Their production commenced in the late 1980s, with almost 40 units in service within the Russian army as of 2022. They are also powered by engines from the Kuznetsov design bureau, specifically the upgraded NK 32 turbojet dual-flow models.

A notable feature of the Tu-160 is its variable wing geometry. This design allows the wings to be positioned at different angles, enabling the Tu-160 to achieve higher speeds while conserving fuel. Its takeoff weight is approximately 275,000 kilograms, with up to 28,000 kilograms allocated for armaments and 140,000 kilograms for fuel. The maximum speed of this bomber is over 2,200 kilometres per hour, and it can fly at altitudes up to 15,600 metres. The bomb bays, measuring 11.2x1.9 metres, can hold 12 Kh-55 missiles or 24 Kh-15 missiles.