UKRAINIAN DRONE ATTACK ON RUSSIAN STRATEGIC BOMBER BASES

Updated Report on Ukrainian Drone Attack on Russian Strategic Bomber Bases

 

Initial reports from Ukrainian government sources indicated drone attack on five Russian strategic bases destroyed over 40 Russian strategic bombers, which they reported was one third of Russia’s strategic fleet. There are, in fact, about 120 “strategic” bombers in the Russian inventory. Allegedly, about 117 drones were assembled in Russia and loaded on five trucks near these bases. The top of these trucks was remotely opened by 117 Ukrainian drone pilots in Ukraine, who guided the drones. 

 

47 TU-95s, NATO name: Bear, first introduced in 1956, roughly equivalent to the U. S. B-52, only 4-propeller driven (very distinctive 6-blade prop). Last produced in 1993, but updated for new role. Primarily used as a stand-off missile launcher. USSR once had 500 of these.

 

58 Tu-22Ms, Twin-jet    Firtst introduced 1972, roughly B-70 equivalent , last produced 1993 but updated. Primarily used as stand-off missile launcher. USSR once had 500

 

15 TU-160  Introduced 1987, Still in production. Expected total to be 40-50. Also used primarily as stand-off missile launcher.

 

Some perspective; The Russian Air Force has 4,292 aircraft. About 689 are considered attack bombers, which can be used for  intermediated range targets. One used frequently in Ukraine is the Su-34, introduced in 2014, present inventory 161. The Russian strategic strike force has been gradually turned over to missiles and intermediate strike bombers like the Su-34, Su-57, and multipurpose MiG 111.

 

Actual Results known so far

 

Only two of the five airbases were hit.  Irkutsk and Murmansk 

Satellite photography indicates 4 Tu-95s were destroyed, and one Tu-22M was badly damaged at the Irkutsk base. 

Lt.Col Daniel Davis indicated Satellite Photography, presumably, including Murmansk showed a total of 13 aircraft destroyed. None were Tu-160s. Independent Russian sources indicate the total was 13 but did not indicate the source as satellite photography. 

Davis also indicated the Ukrainians had reduced the estimate to 17, but the US media still prefers 40. Glenn Beck using what he admitted was from a Ukrainian government source used the higher figure as tentative. Beck should learn that Most of what comes out of the Ukrainian government is highly distorted propaganda and the Ukrainian media is absolutely captive to the government. US and UK media usually follow the Ukrainian media almost slavishly.  No Russian report has been released, except they believe AI was NOT used and there were no Russian military casualties. 

 

The Russians were obviously embarrassed about this rather fantastic Ukrainian tactic, but many Russian experts believe it will not change their present course. The Russians apparently believe Zelensky does not want peace on any reasonable terms and Trump is 

“insufficiently” informed by U.S. intelligence, not fully in control, and under the influence of those who want to escalate the war. At least they think threatening Russia with more sanctions, which have not worked, and has only hurt our European allies,  will work now. 

Unfortunately, the leader in this regard, is SC Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.  

 

LMS