For the first time, satellite images have surfaced online revealing the extent of damage caused to Russian military aircraft at the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk Oblast. These images provide a clear and detailed look at the aftermath of a recent special operation conducted by the Ukrainian Security Service.
Satellite Images Show Severe Damage at Belaya Airbase
The Satellite Images show a significant number of destroyed Russian strategic bombers. Specifically, it appears that four Tu-22M3 bombers and three Tu-95MS bombers were destroyed during the attack. Additionally, one Tu-95MS bomber was likely damaged but still on the ground. These bombers are important military aircraft designed to carry out long-range bombing missions and cruise missile launches.
The destruction of such high-value and technologically advanced bombers is a serious setback for the Russian military. These bombers play a crucial role in Russia’s ability to project air power over long distances, which is why their loss is considered significant.
The images allow experts and the public to visually confirm the reported losses, moving beyond just verbal claims to hard evidence seen from space. This adds credibility and transparency to the information released about the operation.
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Background of the Special Operation ‘Pavutyna’
The damage shown in the satellite images comes from a large-scale operation called ‘Pavutyna’ (which means ‘Spider’s Web’). This operation was launched by the Ukrainian Security Service on June 1st. It was carefully planned and executed with the aim of striking deep into Russian territory and targeting key military assets.
During ‘Pavutyna’, Ukrainian forces used drones to attack strategic aircraft parked at several important Russian airbases. Airbases at Olenya, Dyagilevo, and Ivanovo were also struck in addition to Belaya. Some of Russia’s most important aircraft, particularly those built to carry long-range missiles, are stationed at these sites.
Satellite images now provide clear evidence of the extensive damage caused across these bases, showing destroyed aircraft and hit targets from above. The estimated worth of the Russian strategic aircraft destroyed in the operation is over $7 billion USD, according to the Ukrainian Security Service. This staggering amount emphasizes how much money the Russian military has lost.
Furthermore, satellite images reveal that 34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at the primary Russian airfields were destroyed in the operation. These carriers are bombers capable of launching powerful cruise missiles, which makes them key to Russia’s military strategy. Reducing their numbers impacts Russia’s ability to conduct missile strikes over long distances.
This operation, confirmed by the satellite imagery, demonstrated Ukraine’s growing capability in using technology and intelligence to conduct effective strikes far behind enemy lines.
Details About the Operation and Its Execution
One remarkable aspect of the ‘Pavutyna’ operation is the extensive use of drones. Ukrainian forces deployed 117 drones to carry out the attacks. These drones were remotely operated by a corresponding number of skilled operators. The high number of drones allowed multiple targets to be hit almost simultaneously, increasing the effectiveness of the strike.
Satellite images now confirm the success of this drone operation, showing the widespread damage caused to Russian aircraft on the ground. These images provide clear visual proof of the destruction, highlighting how the drones were able to penetrate defenses and strike key targets.
The operation’s control center was reportedly located inside Russian territory itself, near the headquarters of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in one of their regions. This fact reveals the operation’s high level of secrecy and infiltration, allowing Ukrainian forces to coordinate attacks very close to Russian security hubs.
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Using drones for such an operation allowed Ukraine to minimize risk to personnel while causing maximum damage to Russian military infrastructure. Drones can fly low, avoid many air defenses, and deliver precise strikes, making them a modern and effective weapon in warfare.
The success of this operation is also shown by the damage visible in the satellite images. Seeing the wreckage of these strategic bombers from above confirms that the Ukrainian drones achieved their intended targets with high accuracy.
The extent of the destruction at Belaya Air Base is now more clearly seen thanks to the publication of these satellite photos. For the first time, the public can visually witness the extent of destruction to important Russian aircraft. The images underline the growing importance of drone warfare and modern technology in changing how military conflicts are fought.
This event shows how technological advancements, intelligence, and well-coordinated operations can significantly impact even the most well-defended military assets. The losses at Belaya airbase, confirmed by the satellite photos, represent a major challenge for Russian strategic air power and a notable achievement for Ukrainian forces.
