New satellite images reveal damage from Ukrainian drone strike on Russia's Belaya airbase
Journalists from Radio Liberty’s investigative project Skhemy have obtained new satellite images of the Belaya airbase in Russia's Irkutsk Oblast, showing damage to seven strategic aircraft. The images, captured by Planet Labs on June 4, depict damage to at least three Tu-95 bombers and four Tu-22M3 aircraft, along with evidence of fires.
On June 1, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) conducted Operation "Spiderweb," targeting Russian military airbases at Olenya, Belaya, Dyagilevo, and Ivanovo with drones. Among the targeted aircraft were Russian A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22 M3 planes.
According to a source within the SBU, the operation successfully struck 41 Russian aircraft, accounting for 34% of the strategic carriers of cruise missiles based at these airfields.
The operation, prepared over a year and a half, involved initially transporting FPV drones into Russia, followed by mobile wooden cabins under whose roofs the drones were concealed. At the commencement of the operation, the roofs were remotely opened to launch the drones.
Sources emphasized that all individuals involved in the operation's preparation are now safely back in Ukraine.
- Share: