Russia Buries Warplanes Under Domes and Dirt to Protect Them From Ukrainian Drones

Russia has begun building fortified shelters for its military aircraft at airfields located closest to the Ukrainian border, according to an intelligence update from the UK Ministry of Defense.

The British assessment, published on social media platform X, states that the move comes in response to successful Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian airbases in recent months.

As a countermeasure, Russia has launched a protection program for vulnerable aircraft stationed at several key airfields, including Millerovo, Kursk East, and Hvardiiske.

According to the report, the newly constructed shelters are designed to withstand blasts and reduce the risk of damage from aerial attacks. Each structure reportedly includes a domed roof, thick blast-resistant doors, and is covered with layers of earth for added protection.

“The construction of these hardened aircraft shelters provides an additional level of security for aircraft deployed at Russian airbases,” the UK intelligence update said.

The development follows a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian airfields as part of a coordinated operation known as “Pavutyna” (“Spiderweb”). On June 1, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) launched attacks targeting multiple Russian bases, resulting in damage and destruction of strategic aviation assets.

Earlier, satellite imagery confirmed that Russia redeployed a Tu-160 strategic bomber to Anadyr Airbase near the US border, following Ukraine’s June 1 Spiderweb. The move appears aimed at shielding high-value assets in a remote location, far from Ukraine’s strike range.

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