Satellite images show Russian bombers equipped with cruise missiles gathering at Engels base, apparently preparing for a coordinated attack on Ukraine.
Commercial satellite imagery of Russia's Engels air base on November 13 and analyzed by eRADAR, a Telegram account close to the Ukrainian military, shows seven Tu-95MS strategic bombers and four Tu-160 supersonic aircraft deployed at the location.
The Tu-160 squadron and two Tu-95MS were positioned far apart to avoid the risk of damage from enemy attacks, while the five Tu-95MS aircraft were positioned close together in the usual parking area. Several containers containing Kh-101/555 long-range cruise missiles were seen around the Tu-95MS aircraft, at least two of which had been removed and appeared to be in the process of being installed on the aircraft.
Eleven Russian strategic bombers deployed at Engels-2 base in satellite image on November 13. Photo: eRADAR
"This could be a sign that Russia is about to launch a coordinated attack on Ukraine, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles and ballistic missiles," the eRADAR account said.
Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Defense Intelligence previously assessed that Russia could fire more Kh-101/555 and Kalibr cruise missiles than tactical ballistic missiles in large-scale raids this winter. The buildup of weapons is likely to have taken place since late September, when the number of cruise missile strikes on Ukraine has significantly decreased.
The Russian Defense Ministry has not commented on the information.
Engels Air Base, located in Saratov Oblast, is where the Russian Air Force has launched long-range cruise missile strikes against Ukraine. The bomber force based at Engels is also capable of carrying nuclear weapons, serving as one of the three pillars of Russia’s nuclear deterrent.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on November 12 that Ukraine must prepare for the possibility that Russia will increase the number of missile and UAV strikes on infrastructure during the winter.
Kh-101/555 missile (circled in red) next to Tu-95MS aircraft in satellite image on November 13. Photo: eRADAR
Ukrainian officials say they have strengthened their defense network to protect key infrastructure, and Western countries have also provided Kiev with a series of air defense systems in recent times. "Ukraine's air defense network is stronger than last year. Unfortunately, it cannot protect the entire territory. We are trying to improve this," Mr. Zelensky added.
Russia’s massive attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure last winter severely damaged the country’s power grid, forcing many cities to cut off power and hot water on a rolling basis. Despite Kiev’s efforts to bolster its air defenses, officials fear the possibility of a repeat of the blackouts until the grid is fully restored.
Russia has also recently increased its use of missiles and UAVs to attack Ukrainian targets. Western experts say this is an effort to deplete Ukraine’s anti-aircraft ammunition and destroy its long-range weapons stores.
Vu Anh (According to Defense Blog )
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