Russia has commenced the construction of fortified structures at several key military airbases, likely aimed at protecting its aircraft from increasingly advanced Ukrainian drone assaults, as indicated by satellite images analyzed by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) based in the U.S.
Images captured on July 7 and 9 show a notable increase in defense-related construction at various airfields, including Khalino in Russia’s Kursk region and the Saki airbase in annexed Crimea.
At Khalino, analysts noted the presence of 10 reinforced bunkers covered with earth, along with 12 open concrete shelters that resemble bunkers and eight structures that appear to be aircraft hangars.
At Saki, satellite imagery revealed the rapid construction of two new concrete shelters and additional aircraft bunkers within a matter of days.
These developments came in the wake of Ukraine’s covert drone operation referred to as “Operation Spider’s Web.” Launched on June 1, the mission involved deploying drones from civilian trucks deep within Russian territory to target significant assets, including strategic bombers and surveillance aircraft.
According to the Ukrainian General Staff, at least 12 aircraft were lost in these strikes, including several Tu-22M bombers and A-50 airborne early warning and control planes, each valued at approximately $300 million.
In reaction, Russia has begun relocating dozens of bombers to airbases situated further from the Ukrainian border.
Satellite images examined by AviVector, a Ukraine-based satellite intelligence organization, confirm that all Tu-160 aircraft that were previously based at Belaya airfield in the Irkutsk region and at Olenya in the Murmansk region were moved in early June.
Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at Britain’s Royal United Services Institute, commented that the images imply that Moscow is attempting to mitigate the threat of future drone attacks.
