Ukrainian drones strike key Russian airbase in Adygea
The airport in Adygea, near Krasnodar and close to the Black Sea coast, is about 250 miles from the front line. Despite this distance, the Ukrainians successfully attacked the facility. Earlier rumors suggested it was a training facility, but satellite images have disproven this theory.
Adygea was targeted in one of the latest attacks carried out by Ukrainian armed forces against the Russian aggressor. The location was strategically chosen because it hosts one of the Russian Federation's military bases. Initially thought to be a military school, satellite images revealed that the Ukrainians struck a much more valuable facility—a base where crucial aircraft are stored.
A strong strike on the Russian airport
Local authorities in Adygea confirmed that Ukrainian long-range drones hit the airbase, covering about 250 miles. Reports indicate that the shelling caused a fire, and there were mentions of the destruction of "something very important," according to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. This is supported by the decision of authorities to evacuate villagers from the area adjacent to the airport.
Current satellite images provided by ESA show that the airport in Adygea is now a military facility. It is also known which aircraft were stationed there before the shelling. Defense Express notes that one can see Su-30, Su-45, and Su-35 aircraft in the satellite images. However, training aircraft like the L-39 were not observed there. Furthermore, all the mentioned Su fighters feature blue camouflage used by frontline machines.
The attacked airport housed, among others, the Su-30, an aircraft developed from the iconic Su-27, which was introduced into service in the 1980s. The Su-30 is characterized by high maneuverability and the ability to engage in close-range air combat. Equipped with two AL-31FP engines and front canards, it can perform complex aerial maneuvers.
The Su-34 was developed based on the Su-27, but it features a reinforced structure and a two-seat cockpit. The Su-34 can carry various air-to-ground armaments, including FAB bombs with a UMPK module, enabling precise long-distance attacks.
The Su-35 is an evolution of the Su-27, equipped with the latest technologies and more powerful AL-41F1 engines. Main differences from its predecessors include an improved avionics system and advanced radar, which significantly increase its combat capabilities. As a result, the Su-35 can detect and destroy targets at longer ranges.
Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35 play crucial roles in Russian military aviation. Each model is distinguished by unique features and capabilities that meet various operational needs. The Su-30 excels as a multi-role fighter, the Su-34 as a tactical bomber, while the Su-35 represents the latest evolution of air superiority fighters.
