The Ukrainian military executed a large-scale rocket attack on the Belbek air base in Russian-occupied Crimea on Tuesday night, resulting in the destruction of at least four Russian warplanes. This marks one of the most significant single-day losses for the Russian air force since the conflict began.
The Ukrainian offensive targeted the Belbek air base, located just outside Sevastopol, with a salvo of long-range M39A1 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) rockets. These rockets, capable of reaching up to 190 miles, were provided by the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. The M39A1 rockets are designed to scatter around 300 grenade-sized bomblets upon impact.
Ukrainian Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG missile is flies freely, without opposition over the ruSSian S-300/400 Air Defence System.
Missile heading to the Belbek Air Base.Occupied Crimea, 31.01.2024 pic.twitter.com/sajVFN7utS
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔞𝔡 𝔇𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔠𝔱 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇺🇲🇬🇷 (@TheDeadDistrict) February 6, 2024
Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies revealed that two MiG-31 fighter jets, an Su-27 or Su-30 fighter, and a MiG-29K were destroyed in their roofless revetments. Additionally, the attack led to the destruction of a radar system, two S-400 missile launchers, and a fuel depot that burned through the night. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported intercepting numerous Ukrainian drones, claiming their air defenses downed 51 drones over Crimea, 44 over the Krasnodar region, and six over Belgorod.
The destruction at Belbek air base highlights Ukraine’s increasing capability to conduct long-range drone and missile operations against Russian targets.
The damage caused by the attack led to a strong reaction from Russian commentators and military bloggers. Criticism was directed at Russian commanders for failing to protect valuable military assets.
⚡Satellite images of Belbek airfield. The pictures were taken over the airfield in #Crimea on May 16. There was a fire in the parking lots of Su-27, Su-30 and MiG-31 aircraft. 💥🔥#UkraineWarNews #UkraineWar #UkraineRussiaWar #RussiaIsATerroristState #RussiaIsANaziState pic.twitter.com/RlM2GJXELW
— ⚔️ Hunter UA ✠ 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@UaCoins) May 16, 2024
Belbek air base, located 150 miles south of the front line in southern Ukraine, hosts a variety of Russian air force and navy aircraft, including Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 fighters, MiG-31 interceptors, and MiG-29K fighters. The MiG-31s, in particular, have been crucial in Russia’s efforts to dominate Ukrainian airspace due to their long-range radar-guided missile capabilities.
Recent months have seen an increase in Ukrainian strikes on key infrastructure and military targets in Crimea.
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