Russia Moved Tu-142 Aircraft After 15 Years in Storage—Ukraine Hit Them Weeks Later

Two Tu-142 aircraft reportedly struck by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS) in Russia’s Rostov region had been stored at the Taganrog Aviation Plant for more than a decade and were not known to be in active service.

According to an analysis published by Militarnyi on May 30, satellite imagery and open-source records indicate that the aircraft were among four Tu-142 airframes stored at the Taganrog Aviation Plant since at least 2011. The outlet reported that none of the aircraft had shown signs of movement until April 2026.

The findings come after SBS Commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi stated that Ukrainian long-range drones struck two Tu-142 aircraft during an overnight operation near Taganrog on May 30.

According to Militarnyi, satellite images show that three of the four stored Tu-142 aircraft were relocated between April 19 and May 19, 2026. The aircraft were moved from long-term parking areas closer to the plant’s main production facilities and adjacent taxiways.

The reason for the relocation remains unclear. As noted by Militarnyi, possible explanations include preparations for restoration work, transfer to another location, or their use as decoys intended to attract Ukrainian strikes.

The outlet identified three of the four aircraft stored at the facility as a Tu-142MK bearing the tactical number “Red 71,” a Tu-142MR designated “Red 25,” and another Tu-142MR marked “Black 14.” The fourth aircraft could not be conclusively identified.

Visual analysis of footage released by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces indicates that one of the aircraft hit during the strike was a Tu-142MR, identifiable by distinctive features on its vertical stabilizer.

A second damaged aircraft was assessed to be a Tu-142MK based on structural differences visible in the same footage.

The Tu-142 is a long-range maritime patrol aircraft developed from the Soviet-era Tu-95 strategic bomber. Different variants have been used for anti-submarine warfare, maritime reconnaissance, and communications relay missions.

The strikes on the Tu-142 aircraft took place during a broader overnight SBS operation that also targeted Russian oil infrastructure, including a shadow fleet tanker and fuel facilities in Taganrog and occupied Crimea, according to SBS Commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi.

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