Satellite images show destruction of Russian planes by Ukraine’s drones
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Satellite images show Russian bombers destroyed in Ukraine attack
Satellite images show Russian bombers destroyed in Ukraine attack on Russian airbases. Ukraine claims that it targeted 41 strategic bombers in the operation, adding that “at least” 13 were destroyed. Security officials say the shock incursion took 18 months to plan and saw many drones smuggled into Russia. Many of the aircraft are covered in tyres – a Russian tactic said to be aimed at mitigating against drone strikes. Some aircraft are seen apparently loaded with cruise missiles and well fuelled – judging by the extent and spread of fires. This suggests they were prepared to conduct strikes. Video footage also shows a drone approaching a Tu-22M strategic bomber sitting on the runway in this very same position. Satellite imagery from Maxar clearly shows a destroyed aircraft sitting beside a row of Tu- 22M type aircraft. The final shot of the footage shows smoke rising from numerous sites across the base.
2 hours ago Share Save Paul Brown and Thomas Spencer BBC Verify Share Save
BBC
New satellite images and drone footage show serious damage inflicted on aircraft at several Russian airbases during Ukraine’s surprise drone strike on Sunday. The images of two Russian airbases in north-western and central Russia, taken on Wednesday morning, show 12 aircraft damaged or destroyed. Meanwhile, drone footage, released by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on Wednesday, showed attacks on these two bases as well as two more targeted elsewhere. Ukraine claims that it targeted 41 strategic bombers in the operation, adding that “at least” 13 were destroyed. Security officials say the shock incursion took 18 months to plan and saw many drones smuggled into Russia.
Drone attacks recorded
The SBU video is almost five minutes long and consists of edited footage taken by drones in the process of conducting attacks on Olenya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo and Belaya airbases. In each shot the feed cuts out before any explosion, but in some instances we see other planes on fire in the background.
At no point do we see any indication of defensive measures from Russian forces, even after the attack was clearly well underway. Many of the aircraft are covered in tyres – a Russian tactic said to be aimed at mitigating against drone strikes. Some of the aircraft are seen apparently loaded with cruise missiles and well fuelled – judging by the extent and spread of fires. This suggests they were prepared to conduct strikes.
The clearest satellite imagery covers Olenya and Belaya and shows five damaged or destroyed planes at the former and seven at the latter.
Olenya
Olenya is a major Russian airbase in the north-west of the country. The SBU footage shows smoke pouring from three aircraft, identified as Tu-95 strategic bombers and an approach to a fourth. Video footage also shows a drone approaching a Tu-22M strategic bomber sitting on the runway in this very same position. Satellite imagery from Maxar clearly shows a destroyed aircraft sitting beside a row of Tu-22M type aircraft.
Manufacturing of both the Tu-95 and Tu-22 ended at the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, which will make repair difficult and replacement near impossible. Elsewhere in the SBU video, an AN-12 Transporter can be seen being approached. The Maxar satellite image does not show the aftermath of this, but other imagery reviewed by BBC Verify from AviVector – a satellite image analyst on X – suggests that it too was destroyed.
Belaya
Imagery provided by Planet Labs from this morning shows the entirety of Belaya airbase in Irkutsk Oblast, nearly 3,000km from the Ukrainian border.
Satellite images showing destroyed planes on the runway in Olenya, a major Russian airbase in the country’s north-west
It shows three damaged Tu-95s and four Tu-22s and in various parts of the base. The SBU footage shows many of the same aircraft being approached. In two instances we see the drone carefully position itself on the wing of a Tu-95 – next to one of its fuel tanks. The final shot of the footage shows smoke rising from numerous sites across the base.
Ivanovo
At Ivanovo airbase two A50-AWACS planes are seen being targeted. The aircraft serves as an early warning and control asset – or spy plane – and is identifiable by the sizeable radar system on its fuselage. Ukraine previously shot down two of these aircraft in January and February 2024. As yet we have not seen any imagery or footage that captures any damage to these aircraft at Ivanovo. While satellite imagery from the site does show wreckage, BBC Verify has confirmed that the damage was present at the site before Sunday’s attack and is likely from another incident.
Dyagilevo
Satellite photos show destroyed Russian bombers struck in Ukrainian drone attack
Satellite images show destruction at Russian air base in eastern Siberia. At least seven bombers and four Tu-22Ms destroyed in attack dubbed ‘Spiderweb’ Russia claims it destroyed 34 percent of its strategic missile carriers.
New satellite images have revealed the destruction at a Russian air base following a massive Ukrainian drone attack, with the wreckage of several warplanes seen on the tarmac.
The photos by Planet Labs PBC, showed at least seven destroyed Russian bombers at the Belaya Air Base in eastern Siberia. It was among a number of airfields struck by Ukrainian drones across five regions in Russia on Sunday.
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The images showed at least three destroyed Tu-95 bombers and four Tu-22Ms, The Associated Press reported. Other planes appeared to be undamaged.
Ukraine said 41 aircraft were damaged or destroyed in the large-scale operation dubbed “Spiderweb.”
Ukraine’s Security Service claimed it destroyed 34 percent of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers worth around $7 billion in the attack. Russia refuted the claims, saying Ukraine’s figures were exaggerated.
Satellite Images Reveal Devastating Destruction of Russian Planes by Ukraine’s Drones
Satellite images reveal details of Ukraine’s recent drone attack, showing destroyed and damaged Russian military aircraft at bases on May 22 and June 4. This event marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This attack raises important questions about military strategy and the effectiveness of air defenses. The implications are vast, as this could redefine future engagements.
www.nbcnews.com
Recent satellite images reveal the aftermath of Ukraine’s unprecedented drone attack on Russian military bases, highlighting the destruction of key military assets. This event marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
5 Key Takeaways Satellite images reveal damage to Russian aircraft.
Ukraine conducted a significant drone attack.
Images document destruction on specific dates.
Russia’s military assets were targeted in attack.
Attack highlights Ukraine’s strategic capabilities.
Captured on May 22 and June 4, these images show both destroyed and damaged aircraft, underscoring the vulnerability of Russia’s air power. How will this impact the balance of power in the region?
Fast Answer: Satellite images confirm Ukraine’s drone attack has severely damaged Russian military aircraft, signaling a shift in the conflict’s dynamics.
This attack raises important questions about military strategy and the effectiveness of air defenses. Are traditional military assets becoming obsolete in modern warfare? The implications are vast, as this could redefine future engagements.
Destruction of key aircraft may weaken Russia’s air capabilities.
Ukraine’s drone strategy showcases innovative warfare tactics.
Potential for increased international support for Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict poses significant risks to regional stability and international security, necessitating close monitoring.
As the situation evolves, global leaders must consider their roles in supporting peace efforts and addressing the broader implications of this conflict.
Trump says Putin vowed retaliation for Ukraine drone attacks on Russian airfields
Russian President Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump in a telephone conversation on Wednesday that Moscow would have to respond to the recent Ukrainian drone attacks. The two men “discussed the attack on Russia’s docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides’
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Trump said the two men “discussed the attack on Russia’s docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides”.
Putin “did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields”, Trump said in a social media post.
Trump said it “was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace”.
Moscow said earlier on Wednesday that military options were “on the table” for its response to Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russia and accused the West of being involved in them.
A satellite image shows the aftermath of a drone strike at the Belaya airbase, Irkutsk region, on Wednesday. Image: Maxar Technologies via Reuters
Russia also urged the US and Britain to restrain Kyiv after the attacks, which Ukrainian officials have lauded as showing Kyiv can still fight back after more than three years of war.
Ukraine releases video showing drone attack on Russian bombers, radar planes
Ukrainian intelligence officials released new footage on Tuesday showing a dramatic series of drone strikes on Russian airfields. The video depicts more than 35 first-person view (FPV) drones slamming into Russian military aircraft thousands of miles from the front lines. The footage also revealed trucks transporting what appeared to be prefabricated structures. Inside, drones were hidden and positioned near Russian air bases.
The video, set to dramatic music, depicts more than 35 first-person view (FPV) drones slamming into Russian military aircraft thousands of miles from the front lines. Among the primary targets were Russia’s TU-95 and TU-22 bombers, which have been used to launch cruise missiles at Ukrainian cities.
Even more damaging, officials said, were strikes on two A-50 airborne radar planes — a critical surveillance asset often referred to as the “eyes and ears” of the Russian air force.
The footage also revealed trucks transporting what appeared to be prefabricated structures. Inside, drones were hidden and positioned near Russian air bases. In one clip, a rooftop slides open and drones are launched into the sky.
Ukrainian officials said the drones employed artificial intelligence. When communication links were severed, the drones automatically switched to autonomous mode, followed pre-programmed routes and used machine vision to identify and strike explosive targets.
A high-level Ukrainian delegation is currently in Washington, D.C., and is expected to show more of the footage to members of Congress as part of an effort to secure additional U.S. weapons sales.