Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Strike Against Russian Air Bases in Months

Strategic Insights -

Ukraine's military launched a major drone attack against three Russian air bases on Wednesday, with strikes targeting the Savasleyka airfield in the Nizhny Novgorod region, over 400 miles from the Ukraine-Russia border. The attack marked Kyiv's largest drone strike since the beginning of the war, with local residents reporting at least 10 explosions around the airfield. Russian authorities downplayed the incident, claiming to have downed 117 drones, but the attack's impact on Russian military capabilities remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways:

  • The drone strike targeted three Russian air bases, including the Savasleyka airfield, which houses MiG-31 fighter jets capable of launching hypersonic Kinzhal missiles.
  • At least 10 explosions were reported around the Savasleyka airfield, with local residents witnessing the attack.
  • The attack is believed to be Ukraine's largest drone strike since May, when the Kremlin claimed to have downed 102 incoming Ukrainian UAVs.
  • The Savasleyka airfield is located over 400 miles from the Ukraine-Russia border, marking a significant increase in Ukraine's drone capabilities.
  • Russian authorities reported downing 117 drones, but the efficiency of this claim is uncertain.
  • Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted Russian air bases with long-range drone attacks, with the SBU security services hitting the Lipetsk airfield last week, where 700 glide bombs had been damaged or destroyed.
  • The air bases in Voronezh and Borisoglebsk are believed to host fighter jets that Russia uses to drop glide bombs, one of the most damaging weapons used against Ukrainian forces.

Statistics:

  • At least 10 explosions were reported around the Savasleyka airfield.
  • 117 drones were claimed to have been downed by Russian authorities.
  • 700 glide bombs had been damaged or destroyed at the Lipetsk airfield following a previous Ukrainian drone attack.
  • The Ukraine-Russia border is approximately 400 miles from the Savasleyka airfield.
  • The strike is believed to be Ukraine's largest drone attack since May.

Sources:

  • Russia's Ministry of Defense, no date specified
  • Telegram channel 'Fighter Bomber', no date specified
  • Russian Governor Gleb Nikitin, via Nizhny Novgorod regional government, no date specified
  • Ukrainian Governor Alexander Gusev, via Voronezh regional government, via Telegram, no date specified
  • REUTERS, "Ukraine chooses weakest spot of Russia's defences for cross-border attack", August 18, 2023 (football match mention, not directly related to the drone strike)
  • Ukrainian Security Service, no date specified (SBU)
  • Planet Labs Inc via REUTERS, no date specified (satellite images of Lipetsk air base)