Ukrainian drone strikes damage Russian military aircraft and facilities over 1,000 miles from border
In a coordinated drone attack on a military airfield in Russia's Murmansk region, a supersonic Tu-22M3 bomber was damaged. Ukrainian drones also reached airfields in Engels and Dyagilevo.
Late Friday night and into the morning of July 27, Ukrainian Intelligence's drones targeted military airfields in Engels, Saratov region; the “Dyagilevo” airfield in Ryazan region, and the “Olenya” airfield in Murmansk region, reports Ukrainska Pravda, citing its sources.
The drones also reportedly struck an oil refinery in Ryazan.
Eyewitnesses noted the first explosions at Dyagilevo airfield around 6:00 AM local time. Social media posts indicate that at least three explosions were heard. Local users shared videos of drones heading towards the airfield and a photo of thick black smoke rising from the military installation.
The Dyagilevo airfield houses the 43rd Center for Combat Application and Training of Russian flight crews, where aircraft such as the Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, Tu-134UBL, and Il-78 are based. It also includes an aircraft repair facility.
Explosions at the Engels airfield, home to Russia's strategic aviation, were reported around 8:00 AM Kyiv time. Local sources mentioned that Russian air defense systems unsuccessfully tried to intercept the UAVs, followed by the sound of distinct explosions.
An initial report indicates a long-range supersonic Tu-22M3 bomber was damaged by aircraft-type drones at the “Olenya” airfield in the Murmansk region, a source revealed.
This airfield is approximately 1,100 miles from the Ukrainian border.
Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed that at least 12 kamikaze drones were shot down over various regions, including Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, Bryansk, and Lipetsk.
The full extent of the drone strikes on other Russian military targets is still being confirmed.
Previously, on the night of July 22, Ukrainian Intelligence drones attacked an oil refinery in Tuapse, Krasnodar region.
On July 9, the Security Service of Ukraine and Ukrainian Intelligence jointly attacked the Akhtubinsk military airfield in Astrakhan region, an electrical substation in Rostov region, and an oil depot in Kalach-on-Don in Volgograd region.