A significant Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Morozovsk airbase in Russia's Rostov region, delivering a heavy blow to Russian military assets.
18 Out of 40 Drones Succesfull
According to Tech 18 out of 40 drones successfully struck their intended targets, leading to substantial damage and a visible fire at the facility.
The attack focused on the Morozovsk airbase’s 559th Bomber Aviation Regiment, where it resulted in the destruction of a Su-34 bomber and an ammunition depot.
Satellite imagery confirms that the strike not only obliterated a critical stockpile but also caused damage to the base’s air traffic control center and engineering equipment.
Challenges in Replacing Aircraft
The Su-34, a versatile tactical bomber used by the Russian military, plays a crucial role in various combat missions. It can achieve speeds of up to 1,900 km/h and has a range of around 4,000 km. The bomber can carry up to 8 tons of ordnance, making its loss particularly painful for Russia.
The Russian defense industry faces challenges in replacing these aircraft, with production rates fluctuating significantly over recent years. In 2022, production briefly spiked to 20 units, but it has since dropped, with only 4 Su-34s being added to the fleet in 2024 so far.
In addition to the Su-34, the attack damaged the air traffic control center, which, although not destroyed, will likely need substantial time to be fully operational again. The engineering equipment sustained only minor damage, but the overall impact of the strike on Russian military operations is considerable.
