Ukraine’s Security Service, or SBU, says it destroyed a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber at Engels air base in Russia’s Saratov region. The aircraft was regularly used to launch large-scale missile strikes against Ukrainian targets, according to the agency.
The claimed strike highlights Ukraine’s ability to reach strategic aviation assets far from the front line. The SBU said its long-range drones traveled about 800 kilometers, or roughly 500 miles, to reach the base.
In an initial assessment, the SBU said the bomber sustained critical damage after its tail section was completely torn off. Russian authorities had not immediately commented on the Ukrainian claim.
President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the operation as another successful “long-range sanction” against Moscow. In a Telegram post, he described the attack as “a fair and active defense” by Ukraine.
A Strike Against Russia’s Missile Force
The SBU said the operation was part of efforts to reduce Russia’s military and economic capabilities under tasks set by Zelensky. It argued that every strategic bomber removed from service could prevent dozens of missiles from being launched at Ukrainian cities.
“The SBU systematically destroys important elements of the Russian war machine,” the agency said in its Telegram update. It also said Russian strategic aviation could no longer feel secure even at distant military airfields.
Zelensky said Ukrainian forces also struck Russian oil industry facilities and other designated military targets in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory. “We are increasing the price Russia pays for its aggression against our state and our people,” he wrote.
Why the Tu-95 Matters
The Tu-95 bomber is one of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ principal strategic missile carriers. First flown in 1952, the aircraft remains in service because of its range, payload capacity, and efficient turboprop engines.
Available estimates cited by www.kyivpost.com put Russia’s fleet at 45 Tu-95MS bombers and 18 modernized Tu-95MSM aircraft as of 2023. The newer Tu-95MSM can carry Kh-101 cruise missiles, while older versions use Kh-55 and Kh-555 missiles.
| Specification | Tu-95 Detail |
|---|---|
| Crew | 7 |
| Loaded weight | 190 metric tons |
| Maximum speed | 830 km/h (about 515 mph) |
| Combat radius | 6,500 km (about 4,040 miles) |
| Maximum range | 13,000 km (about 8,080 miles) |
| Estimated value | More than $26 million |
The bomber can carry up to six cruise missiles on an internal rotary launcher and was designed to strike strategic targets in all weather conditions, day or night. Its NK-12 engines are described as the most powerful turboprop engines ever built, although they also make the aircraft exceptionally loud.
Russia Relies Heavily on the Aircraft
According to Defense Express, Russia uses the Tu-160 less frequently, while the Tu-95MS carries out most of its long-range missile strikes against Ukraine. Analysts say the Tu-95MS is more reliable and easier to maintain than the newer Tu-160.
The Kh-101 cruise missile carried by the Tu-95MS has an estimated range of up to 5,500 kilometers and weighs about 2,200 to 2,400 kilograms. Analysts say it can be difficult to intercept because it can maneuver and change its flight path after launch.
At an estimated cost of around $3 million each, the Kh-101 is among Russia’s most expensive conventional missiles. The reported price is roughly twice that of a Kalibr cruise missile, increasing the potential cost of each disrupted launch mission.
The Engels air base attack therefore targeted more than a single aircraft, according to Ukraine’s account. It struck at a platform Russia relies on to fire long-range cruise missiles from well beyond Ukrainian airspace.