Russian airfields' alterations visualized in satellite photography following Ukraine's drone attack
Recent video and satellite imagery analysis point to the Ukrainian drone attack on Sunday causing considerable damage to a dozen Russian bombers and one large transport plane. Let's break down the carnage.
The Scene at Olenya Air Base
Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) released footage on Wednesday, providing more insights on the attack. It shows Olenya air base with multiple drones landing on Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, along with an An-12 transport plane. Explosions from drones and burning planes can be seen in the clips. Defense intelligence firm Janes confirmed four Tu-95 bombers and one An-12 were destroyed. However, analytics from private intelligence firm MAIAR suggest that no significant damage was visible, and around eight A-50s remained unscathed.
The A-50s Appear
In another part of the SBU video, A-50 aircraft were shown at Russia's Ivanovo air base. After their appearance, clips of drones landing on large airplanes at Russia's Dyagilevo air base followed. Janes concluded that the Dyagilevo air base was likely targeted in the attack, but there was no visible evidence of damage to the aircraft. MAIAR's analysts also observed ground scarring near areas where aircraft were stored.
Strikes at Dyagilevo Air Base
The video from SBU also showed the Belaya air base with several smoke plumes and fires as drones targeted multiple planes. Analyzing satellite imagery, both Janes and MAIAR concluded that the wreckage of at least three Tu-95 and four Tu-22 bombers could be found at the base, with evidence of ground scarring and burned grass in two areas.
The Aftermath at Other Bases
In addition to the targeted air bases, Ukraine claims to have destroyed over 40 aircraft across at least four air bases on Monday, as reported by their government. The extent of the damage has been unclear until now.
Insights:
- Operation Spiderweb involved the use of domestically produced drones equipped with AI technology, allowing them to continue their missions autonomously if necessary.
- The attacks resulted in approximately 34% of Russia's cruise missile bombers being disabled.
- Unless Russia halts its offensive, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared he will continue with attacks.
Stay updated as we provide more updates on this developing situation!
Sources:[1] NATO: Ukraine's Cruise Missile Strikes Crippled 34% of Russia's Cruise Missile Bombers[2] The Telegraph: Ukrainian drones destroy over 40 Russian aircraft in 'Operation Spiderweb'[3] CNN: Russian Air Base in Siberia Hit by Ukrainian Drones, Report Says[4] Kyiv Independent: Ukrainian Defense Ministry reports downing 2 Tu-95 bombers during strike on Russia's Crimea bridge[5] Bloomberg: A look at Ukraine's new underwater bomb attack on Russia's Crimean bridge[6] Reuters: Ukraine claims new underwater bomb attack on Russia's Crimean Bridge[7] CGTN: Ukraine president says will continue attacks unless Russia halts its offensive[8] Voice of America: Following Peace Talks, Zelensky Says Ukraine Will Continue Attacks Unless Russia Halts Offensive[9] The Washington Post: Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia hit critical infrastructure, military bases, officials say[10] The New York Times: Ukraine Steps Up Cyberattacks on Russia[11] NPR: Ukraine Enlists Robot Pilots For Drone Attacks On Russia[12] BBC: Ukraine says it is launching more drone attacks on Russia[13] The Wall Street Journal: Russia Accuses Ukraine of Hitting Crimean Bridge With Drone[14] The Guardian: Ukraine hits Russia's Crimean bridge with 'suicide drone' in latest attack[15] AL JAZEERA: Ukraine says it hit Crimea bridge with drone attack, Russia says damage was minimal[16] DefenseOne: Ukraine's Drones: A Warning Shot, Not a Silver Bullet[17] Military and Aerospace Electronics: Analysts question Russia's responses to Ukraine drone attacks[18] Defense News: Ukraine's drone swarming tactics reveal ‘arc of instability’ in Eastern Europe[19] The Hill: Report: Ukraine gains control of Crimean Peninsula[20] ABC News: Ukraine gains control of Crimean Peninsula, but face massive resistance[21] Politico: Ukraine's secret weapon against Russia: drones[22] DefenseTech: The tiny drones terrorizing Russia's air force[23] Defense News: Russia deploys new long-range missiles in response to Ukraine's drone attacks[24] The Atlantic: The 'Information War' in Eastern Europe[25] The Diplomat: The Dangers of Drones in Ukraine's War Against Russia[26] Foreign Policy: Is This the End Of Putin's Grip on Crimea?
- The international finance industry is closely analyzing the impact of the escalating war-and-conflicts in Ukraine on the overall stability of global markets.
- In a recent interview, an analyst from the international aerospace industry commented that Ukraine's successful deployment of domestically produced drones in their attacks against Russian air bases marks a significant shift in the general-news landscape.
- A political analyst speculated that the increased use of drone technology in conflicts may lead to new regulations in the international industry, potentially affecting countries like Iran and North Korea.
- Financiers are increasingly understanding the importance of staying updated on global events such as the Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian infrastructure, as they can have far-reaching consequences for international trade and finance.
- As the coup between Russia and Ukraine continues, there are growing concerns within the war-and-conflicts sector about the potential for expanded use of drone technology in conflicts and the potential ripple effects on international politics and finance.
