Ukraine’s Drone Strike Destroys 96 Russian Cruise Missiles at Engels Airbase

A Ukrainian long-range drone strike on Russia’s Engels-2 strategic airbase in the Saratov region destroyed 96 air-launched cruise missiles, Ukraine’s General Staff reported on March 27.

The attack carried out on the morning of March 20, 2025, triggered secondary explosions that lasted for several hours, further devastating the site.

Local residents reported hearing powerful explosions during the drone attack, with some blasts audible even in Saratov, located about 15 kilometers from the airbase.

According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the destroyed missiles had been intended for at least three large-scale missile strikes on Ukraine in March and April 2025.

“Additionally, strikes on aviation fuel storage sites led to the destruction of significant reserves, negatively impacting Russia’s ability to sustain combat operations,” the statement said.

Later, satellite imagery confirmed that all warehouse buildings at the airbase’s aviation weapons depot were completely destroyed.

The images also revealed multiple craters at open-air ammunition storage sites, along with burn marks and fire damage on surrounding areas.

Engels-2 airbase is home to Russia’s fleet of Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers, which launch long-range cruise missiles against Ukraine, including Kh-55, Kh-555, and Kh-101 missiles.

Earlier, reports emerged that the damage caused by Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities over the past six months is estimated at approximately 60 billion rubles (around $711 million).

This was reported by Radio Svoboda in collaboration with the Ukrainian project Frontelligence Insight. They analyzed over 100 satellite images showing the aftermath of the Ukrainian strikes.