In response to the growing threat posed by Ukrainian drones, Russia is developing a new type of protective shelter designed to safeguard its fighter jets.
A Critical Component
According to Tech the shelters, which can be assembled in 36 hours, are constructed with a metal frame reinforced by high-strength ceramic elements.
These materials, including boron carbide, silicon, and aluminum oxide, are intended to offer robust protection against the increasingly effective drone strikes by Ukrainian forces.
The urgency behind this project is driven by the significant damage inflicted on Russian aircraft, particularly the Su-34 multirole bombers.
These bombers are a critical component of Russia's military strategy, capable of conducting a wide range of missions, from bombing enemy positions to engaging in air-to-air combat.
The Su-34s, equipped with powerful AL-31F M1 engines, can reach speeds of up to 1,900 km/h and carry up to 8 tons of weaponry, including the FAB bomb family, which has been used extensively in the conflict.
Prioritizing Protection
Despite their capabilities, the Russian Air Force has been unable to keep pace with the losses incurred from Ukrainian drone strikes. Since the beginning of 2024, only four new Su-34s have been added to the fleet, with projections indicating that only an additional four will be produced by the end of the year.
This production rate is insufficient to replace the aircraft lost in combat, highlighting the importance of the new shelters.
The introduction of these shelters is seen as a direct response to the growing vulnerability of Russia's air assets. Ukrainian drones have proven to be a formidable threat, with recent strikes successfully targeting Russian airbases, including a significant attack on the Morozovsk airbase in August 2024.
As a result, the Russian military is prioritizing the protection of its remaining aircraft, hoping that these new shelters will prevent further losses.
