Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Key Military Aircraft Testing Airfield, Triggering Major Ammunition Detonation

Ukrainian forces struck Russia’s Akhtubinsk military airfield in the Astrakhan region overnight on November 15, triggering a major secondary explosion at a storage facility containing components for guided air-launched missiles.

A separate strike targeted a Russian drone launch facility in the Oryol region. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed the operations on November 15.

The Akhtubinsk airfield, located approximately 650 kilometers (404 miles) from the front line, hosts the Russian Defense Ministry’s 929th State Flight Test Center, a major facility responsible for testing new military aircraft and aviation weapons.

The site plays a significant role in Russia’s military aviation development, with advanced aircraft and missile systems undergoing testing there before entering operational service.

Akhtubinsk also serves as a base for Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers, which are used to launch guided aerial bombs against Ukrainian cities and military positions.

According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the strike caused a powerful secondary detonation at a warehouse storing components for guided aviation missiles. Footage reportedly showing explosions at the airfield also circulated online.

Ukrainian forces additionally struck a PRV-13 mobile radar altimeter at the facility. The system is designed to measure the altitude of airborne targets and provide coordinate information, supporting airspace surveillance and airfield operations.

In a separate operation, Ukrainian forces targeted the Tsymbulova drone facility near the settlement of the same name in Russia’s Oryol region.

According to the General Staff, the site was used to store, prepare, and launch Russian attack drones deployed against Ukrainian cities, energy facilities, and civilian infrastructure.

Ukrainian forces previously struck the same Akhtubinsk airfield on August 20, damaging a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber and causing a fuel spill, according to Ukraine’s General Staff.