Ukrainian officials have claimed a significant strike on a military airfield located in Russia’s Rostov region. According to Ukrainian sources, the attack resulted in the destruction of at least six Russian military aircraft and substantial damage to eight others at the Morozovsk airfield, marking one of Kyiv’s boldest aerial operations since the onset of the war. The aerial attack, dubbed Ukraines largest aerial operation to date, is part of a broader pattern of intensified Ukrainian assaults on Russian soil, amid a backdrop of escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
Russian media report drone attacks on Morozovsk and Engels airfields in Russia last night.
Morozovsk airfield in Rostov region hosts Su-34 aircraft that keep bombing the Ukrainian frontlines with guided aerial bombs.
Engels is a strategic bomber military airbase in Saratov… pic.twitter.com/ylGgawvXiq
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) April 5, 2024
Russian defense officials have contested Ukraine’s account, asserting that their forces intercepted a total of 44 Ukrainian drones during the incident, with the only reported damage being to a power substation.
🇺🇦 #Ukraine: The Russian military attacked Zaporizhzhia with missile strikes today, killing three civilians and wounding at least 20. The strikes were timed 40 minutes after each other, a tactic often used to target first responders at the scene of the initial strike. The strikes… pic.twitter.com/LOC4yq7eCa
— POPULAR FRONT (@PopularFront_) April 5, 2024
The Ukrainian operation against the Morozovsk airfield, which is known to house Russian bombers used in attacks against Ukrainian cities and military positions, was reportedly conducted in coordination between Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), the military, and the Defense Forces. An intelligence official, speaking anonymously, claimed the strike killed or injured around 20 airfield personnel and represents a significant effort to diminish the combat capabilities of Russian forces engaged in aerial bombings over Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defense responded by highlighting the interception and destruction of a considerable number of drones across various regions, including beyond the Rostov area, indicating a widespread defensive action against Ukrainian drone activities. These interceptions purportedly prevented further damage and casualties, with Russian military bloggers also denying any substantial harm to military assets or personnel at the Morozovsk base.
This incident is part of an escalating trend of drone warfare that has become a hallmark of the conflict, with both Ukraine and Russia employing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance, attacks on military hardware, and strikes against infrastructure. The extensive use of drones, including low-cost models by Ukraine and Iranian-designed Shahed drones by Russia, reflects a tactical evolution in the war, highlighting the increasing importance and effectiveness of these assets in modern warfare.
Seen here, the loading, launch, strike, and recovery of a Backfire.
Sources- https://t.co/1Ve2sEcJBGhttps://t.co/OWrFyAMhy8https://t.co/5JqE72LHHK pic.twitter.com/L2z7ntTIUE
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 5, 2024
The strategic use of drones by Ukraine to target Russian military and infrastructure deep within Russian territory signifies an attempt to pressure Russia by demonstrating the reach and capability of Ukrainian forces. Previous reports have confirmed drone attacks on Russian air bases and strategic locations, showcasing Ukraine’s growing assertiveness in utilizing UAVs for cross-border strikes.
As the conflict drags on into its third year, with the front lines largely stalemated, both nations are seeking new strategies to gain the upper hand. Ukraine’s focus on drone production and electronic warfare equipment, as mentioned by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities in the face of resource constraints and the need for increased support from Western allies.
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