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Newly obtained satellite imagery shows the aftermath of a drone attack on the Soltsy-2 airbase in Russia, where a Tu-22M Backfire bomber was destroyed. The images, taken on Monday, depict the scorched remains of the Backfire in a revetment. Previous high-resolution images from August 16 showed Backfires parked at the base. Additional images taken on August 10 displayed a large contingent of Backfires at the same location.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a drone was detected by the airfield’s observation post and was subsequently hit by small arms fire. The resulting fire damaged one airplane. The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate confirmed that one Backfire was destroyed during the attack and two others were damaged.

In recent satellite images, it is evident that all other Backfires previously parked at Soltsy-2 have been evacuated. This is a remarkable accomplishment, as aircraft are typically grounded after sustaining damage, especially complex military types. Furthermore, the imagery reveals the presence of a Russian helicopter at the airfield after the attack.

There have been reports of another Ukrainian drone attack at the Shaykovka airfield in Kaluga Oblast, home to the 52nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment. Conflicting accounts state that either no damage occurred or that an unused aircraft was damaged by the falling drone. The drone used in this attack was a civilian copter retrofitted with improvised explosive devices and a reinforced battery.

The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate claims responsibility for both attacks, stating that they were carried out by individuals recruited by their agency from central Russia. They also assert ongoing operations in Russia’s border regions, deep rear, and Moscow.

The U.K. Defense Ministry supports the assessment that some drone attacks against Russian military targets are launched from within Russian territory. The presence of copter-style drones hitting Soltsy-2 adds weight to this assertion.

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