Russian Key Strategic Airbases Under Massive Attacks. Here’s What We Know

Strategic Russian military airbases are ablaze following a series of drone strikes that reportedly damaged or destroyed dozens of aircraft, including long-range bombers, according to RBC-Ukraine on July 1.

While no official claim of responsibility has been made, reports suggest that more than 40 Russian aircraft have been hit in what appears to be one of the most extensive attacks on Russia’s strategic aviation infrastructure since the full-scale war began.

Among the aircraft reportedly affected are Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, as well as A-50 airborne early warning planes—key components of Russia’s long-range strike and surveillance capabilities.

According to the published footage, at least 4 Tu-95 strategic bombers used to launch missile strikes against Ukraine were destroyed.

One of the attacks reportedly struck Olenya Airbase in Russia’s Murmansk region, deep within the country’s Arctic territory. Local residents reported hearing explosions and the distinct buzz of drones overhead, followed by power outages in nearby areas.

A second strike is said to have targeted the Belaya airbase, another location known for housing long-range aviation assets.

Footage and satellite imagery circulating on social media show plumes of smoke rising from military installations and suggest large-scale fires. While Russian authorities have not confirmed the extent of the damage, the scale of the reported aircraft losses would mark a significant blow to Russia’s ability to conduct long-range air operations.

Drones have also reached the Dyagilevo airfield in the Ryazan region, according to reports in Russian media.

About 10 explosions were reported in the area of the Dyagilevo airfield. According to available information, there are currently 3 Tu-95MS and 4 Tu-22M3 strategic bombers stationed at the site.

The governor of the Russian Ryazan region confirmed the drone strike but stated that no destruction or losses were reported.

In addition, Russian media outlet ASTRA reported that drones struck Ivanovo airfield in the Moscow region, Russia. Presumably, the Russian Air Force’s Ivanovo-Severny airfield was hit, which is capable of receiving large airplanes, including the A-50 AWACS planes.

Observers note that Olenya and Belaya airbases have been frequently used to launch cruise missiles targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian centers. The attacks could therefore severely impact Russia’s capacity to continue its long-range bombing campaigns.

The governor of the Russian Irkutsk region confirmed the attack, stating that drones attacked a military unit in the Sredny village.

He also added that one drop was on an old building in Novomaltinsk. The exact number of UAVs has not yet been calculated.

“The source from where the drones were released has already been blocked,” Kobzev wrote.

As of 4:10 p.m., information about the fifth attacked Russian airfield surfaced online. Reportedly, Voznesensk airfield near Moscow has caught fire after an alleged drone strike.

Earlier, Russia relocated a large part of its strategic bomber fleet to Olenya airbase in Russia’s Murmansk region, which was hosting an unusually high concentration of strategic aircraft on May 26: 40 Tu-22M3 bombers, 11 Tu-95MS bombers, and five An-12 transport aircraft.

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