Russia Builds Aircraft Shelters at Belbek Air Base in Occupied Crimea

Recent satellite imagery has revealed that Russia is constructing fortified shelters and other protective structures for aircraft at the Belbek airbase near Sevastopol in occupied Crimea. The development, aimed at shielding military assets from drone strikes and indirect fire.

According to The War Zone, images captured on December 19 show approximately 10 reinforced shelters under construction at various stages. These structures, primarily made of reinforced concrete, are being erected above aircraft parking areas. Additional grid-like structures are also visible, presumably to provide added protection for less secure areas.

While the exact purpose of some newly constructed facilities remains unclear, the expansion of protective infrastructure highlights Russia’s efforts to mitigate the risks posed by Ukraine’s long-range drones and missiles.

Ukrainian Navy’s Response

Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Navy, noted in a national broadcast that the rapid construction of such shelters indicates Russia’s reactive approach to attacks on its military infrastructure. He stated, “I cannot confirm or deny this specific information. However, it is logical for them to protect their equipment. The practice shows that Russians do not spare resources for such defenses.”

Pletenchuk also suggested that Russia’s intensified efforts reflect an increased frequency of explosions in Crimea, possibly linked to Ukrainian operations, forcing Russia to adapt its defenses accordingly.

Similar shelters have been documented at other Russian airbases, including Marinovka, Krymsk, Yeisk, and Akhtubinsk. These developments aim not only to shield aircraft but also to make them less detectable by reconnaissance satellites.

Despite these precautions, Ukraine’s defense forces have successfully targeted Russian airbases, even those with reinforced infrastructure.