Ukrainian forces have struck the Marinovka airbase in Russia's Vologda region, marking another bold attack deep within Russian territory. Located closer to Kazakhstan than Ukraine, this base became the latest target in Ukraine's ongoing campaign to disrupt Russian military operations, according to Tech.
A Large Number of Drones
Marinovka was initially home to Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft, but recent satellite images from August 19, 2024, revealed a more critical deployment.
The base housed 14 Su-34 tactical bombers and 15 Su-35 multi-role fighters, both essential to Russia's aerial operations.
Ukraine's strike on Marinovka followed the pattern of earlier attacks, utilizing a large number of drones.
While Russian reports claimed the downing of 28 drones, the remaining drones managed to cause substantial damage. Fires broke out on the airbase, leading to secondary explosions, likely from ammunition depots.
Potential Significant Losses
Although the exact extent of the damage remains unclear, the urgency of evacuating 30 aircraft suggests potential significant losses. Evacuating planes undergoing maintenance would be particularly challenging, raising the possibility that some aircraft were destroyed, similar to previous attacks on Russian airbases like Morozovsk.
The Su-34 and Su-35 are among Russia’s most advanced aircraft, both derived from the Soviet-era Su-27 air superiority fighter. The Su-34, with a payload capacity of up to 14 tons, is designed for ground attacks, while the Su-35 excels in air-to-air combat with its powerful N035 Irbis-E radar.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia has lost at least 32 Su-34s and seven Su-35s. With fewer than 100 of each likely operational, such attacks further strain Russia’s ability to sustain its aerial dominance.
