New satellite images have emerged online, showcasing the aftermath of a Ukrainian drone strike on the Marinovka air base near Volgograd.
On August 22, Ukrainian drones targeted a site housing Su-34 and Su-24 bombers, located about 270 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
A researcher who goes by the name MT Anderson on the X platform (formerly Twitter) shared photos revealing the damage inflicted by the Ukrainian strike.
The satellite images clearly show destruction to the hangars where Russia stored its aircraft.
Ukrainian sources claim they hit an ammunition depot and damaged at least one Su-34 tactical bomber during the operation, reportedly using long-range drones.
Photo: MT Anderson on X
The Scale of Destruction
Marinovka air base was home to a fleet of Russian Su-34 and Su-24 bombers.
The satellite images reveal that just before the attack on August 19, there were 14 Su-34s and 15 Su-35 bombers stationed at the base.
These aircraft have been actively used in Russia's campaign against Ukraine, with the Su-34 often deployed for precision strikes on strategic targets such as logistics hubs and ammunition depots. Meanwhile, the Su-24 has been used in missions to bomb critical Ukrainian infrastructure, including bridges and supply routes.
Photo: MT Anderson on X
The Impact of the Strike
According to WP Tech, the Su-34 Fullback is one of Russia's most advanced combat aircraft, designed primarily for ground attacks but also capable of defending against enemy fighters. It’s a two-seater aircraft, derived from the Su-27 fighter, and is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and combat systems.
The Su-34 can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.9 and has an operational range of up to 4,000 kilometers without refueling. It is armed with a variety of bombs and missiles, including air-to-surface missiles, making it a formidable asset in combat missions.
The Su-24 Fencer, on the other hand, is a Soviet-era tactical bomber that has been in service since 1967. Despite its age, the Su-24 remains in use by several armies, including Russia's.
It is equipped with variable-geometry wings and advanced navigation systems, allowing it to conduct precise attacks on ground targets even in challenging conditions. The Su-24 can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.6 and has an operational range of up to 3,000 kilometers. Its arsenal includes conventional bombs and guided missiles.
