Ukrainian drones damaged Russian Tu-95 bombers at the Engels-2 base

The first attack occurred on July 16. The Telegraph refers to satellite photos from Planet Labs, which show that the Tu-95 lost its tail. During the second operation, carried out on August 28, another machine of this type was deprived of part of the right wing.

Analysts quoted by The Telegraph estimate that both damaged bombers will probably not return to service.

For four and a half years they were used in massive missile attacks on Ukraine. The destruction of such an aircraft, especially at its own base, has great political significance, says Justin Bronk, an air force and technology expert from the British think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

The special "Alpha" unit of the Security Service of Ukraine is behind both attacks. According to the British daily, MICH-2000 drones were used for the attacks, the range of which is estimated at about 2,000. kilometers.

The Engels-2 airbase is located in the Saratov Oblast, approximately 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The route of the unmanned aircraft was to be planned, avoiding areas with high saturation of Russian air defense. The drones were also supposed to use the terrain to reduce the risk of detection.

Key machines for Russian long-range attacks

The Tu-95, along with the newer Tu-160, are the only Russian aircraft capable of carrying Kh-101 cruise missiles. These missiles have a range exceeding 3,000. kilometers and were used, among others, in attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Robert Tollast, a RUSI analyst dealing with land forces, indicates that Russia may currently have about 20-30 Tu-95 strategic bombers in service, although this number may be even lower. Tu-95s are, of course, extremely important for Russia's long-range strike campaign, which usually focuses on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, especially in winter, he says.

In his opinion, reducing the number of operational machines may limit Russia's ability to simultaneously fire at Ukraine and maintain bombers as a strategic reserve in the event of a potential conflict with NATO.