The Russian navy seems to be relocating a good portion of its air fleet, together with Su-34 frontline bombers, to Engels-2 Airbase. This conclusion relies on newly launched satellite tv for pc imagery from December 7, 2024, shared by OSINT specialist MT_Anderson by way of their account on the social media platform X [formerly Twitter].
The pictures present a uncommon glimpse into the state of Russia’s strategic air belongings and recommend a deliberate effort to protect these plane from potential strikes by U.S.-supplied ATACMS.
The satellite tv for pc photos reveal a various assortment of plane at the moment stationed at Engels. Notably, two Tu-160 bombers and one extra plane of the identical mannequin—or probably a decoy—are seen alongside 4 Tu-95MS bombers and three others that seem like decoys or painted mockups.
Transport plane are additionally current, with one An-12 and two Il-76 navy transports seen within the imagery. Nevertheless, essentially the most putting statement is the presence of 9 Su-34 frontline bombers, a big quantity not beforehand related to this base. Moreover, two Su-27/30 fighters can be recognized.
For context, a evaluate of earlier satellite tv for pc imagery gives a telling comparability. In September 2024, Engels-2 hosted fewer plane, primarily bombers such because the Tu-22, Tu-95, and Tu-160, together with what might have been the identical An-12 transport.
Earlier this yr, in March, the bottom housed round eight bombers, largely Tu-95s and Tu-160s. The sudden inflow of Su-34s suggests a strategic recalibration in response to rising threats.
Engels Airbase is situated roughly 600 kilometers from Ukraine, positioning it past the speedy attain of most standard artillery or short-range missiles.
This transfer seems to replicate Moscow’s heightened concern in regards to the rising menace posed by ATACMS strikes, particularly after america accepted the switch of those long-range weapons to Ukraine earlier this yr.
The deployment of Su-34s to Engels means that the Russian navy views this airbase as a comparatively safe location for its useful frontline bombers.
The Su-34, identified for its superior avionics and multirole capabilities, is a key asset for Russia’s air operations. By relocating these plane to Engels, Moscow is probably going aiming to guard them from precision strikes which have confirmed more and more efficient in disrupting Russian airpower.
As Ukraine continues to broaden its long-range strike capabilities, Engels Airbase may play a pivotal position in preserving Russia’s air dominance, even because the battle enters its subsequent section.
Whereas Engels Airbase is positioned nicely past the attain of most Ukrainian artillery and missiles, its vulnerability to drone strikes has been a recurring concern. Regardless of Russia’s sturdy air protection methods, Engels has been focused by long-range drone assaults on a number of events, highlighting the bottom’s susceptibility to unconventional threats.
For instance, in December 2022, Engels Airbase was struck by drones in an assault that resulted in injury to strategic bombers. In line with studies on the time, modified Soviet-era Tu-141 reconnaissance drones, launched from Ukrainian territory, penetrated Russian air defenses and exploded close to parked plane.
One other notable assault occurred in August 2023, when Ukrainian forces used a mix of drones and digital warfare to disable and injury tools at a Russian airfield, though it’s unclear whether or not Engels was particularly focused in that occasion. These assaults not solely inflicted bodily injury but in addition undermined confidence in Russia’s layered air protection methods.
Within the context of the present satellite tv for pc photos, the elevated presence of plane, notably Su-34s, raises questions on whether or not Engels has improved its defenses since these earlier incidents.
Drones stay a big menace as a consequence of their capacity to bypass conventional air protection methods. Russia has deployed short-range methods just like the Pantsir-S1 round high-value websites to counter drones, however as previous occasions present, even these measures are usually not foolproof.
Engels’ vulnerability to drone strikes is emblematic of broader challenges in fashionable warfare, the place cheap, remotely operated methods can disrupt strategic operations.
For Ukraine, such assaults symbolize a cheap technique to weaken Russian airpower, whereas for Russia, the problem lies in adapting its defenses to counter these evolving threats successfully.
The Su-34 Fullback represents a cornerstone of Russian tactical airpower, combining the putting capabilities of a bomber with the agility and survivability of a fighter.
As a multirole plane, it’s optimized for deep-strike missions, shut air assist, and interdiction, making it a flexible asset in contested battlefields. Derived from the Su-27 airframe, the Su-34 retains its predecessor’s aerodynamic benefits whereas incorporating intensive upgrades for precision strike operations.
Key to the Su-34’s functionality is its suite of superior avionics and sensors. The plane options the V004 PESA radar, optimized for terrain mapping and monitoring a number of transferring targets concurrently. This radar helps each air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, permitting the Su-34 to interact a various set of threats.
Upgraded fashions embrace the Irbis-E radar, enhancing detection vary and goal monitoring, particularly in air fight situations. For close-in engagements, the plane employs the OLS-30 infrared search and observe system, decreasing reliance on radar and bettering stealth.
The Su-34 is provided with the Platan concentrating on system, an built-in electro-optical pod that helps precision strikes utilizing laser-guided munitions. This technique permits the plane to deploy weapons with pinpoint accuracy, even in difficult circumstances.
To make sure survivability in contested airspace, the Su-34 depends on the Khibiny digital warfare suite. This technique can jam enemy radars and disrupt incoming missiles, providing a important layer of safety. Modernized variations, such because the Su-34M, incorporate the L-175V Khibiny-M system, which gives enhanced jamming capabilities and broader operational flexibility.
Payload versatility is one other defining function of the Su-34. With 12 hardpoints and a most payload capability of 12,000 kilograms, the plane helps an enormous array of weaponry. For air-to-ground missions, it could carry guided bombs just like the KAB-500 and KAB-1500 collection, alongside tactical missiles such because the Kh-29, Kh-38, and the long-range Kh-59.
Anti-ship operations are supported by the Kh-35 and Kh-31A missiles, whereas the Kh-31P is tailor-made for suppression of enemy air defenses. In air-to-air engagements, the Su-34 can deploy medium-range R-77 and R-27 missiles or the extremely maneuverable R-73 for shut fight.
For missions requiring much less precision, the plane is able to utilizing rocket pods, gravity bombs, and its inside cannon for floor assault.
The plane’s deployment patterns additionally spotlight its strategic position. In contrast to devoted strike platforms, the Su-34 can function in contested environments the place each air-to-air and air-to-ground threats are current.
Its two-seat cockpit, closely armored for defense, permits for prolonged missions, with the pilot and weapons officer working in tandem to handle its advanced methods. With a variety of 4,000 kilometers, extendable by aerial refueling, the Su-34 can mission energy deep into hostile territory.
Lately, the Su-34 has been modernized to deal with evolving threats. The Su-34M variant incorporates improved avionics, enhanced radar methods, and expanded compatibility with next-generation weapons.
Particular configurations have additionally emerged, together with reconnaissance variations outfitted with superior imaging sensors and digital warfare variants targeted on jamming and countermeasures.
The Su-34’s versatility and survivability have made it a vital part of Russia’s air operations. Whether or not conducting precision strikes, partaking enemy plane, or disrupting hostile air defenses, the Su-34 stays a important device for asserting dominance in fashionable aerial warfare.
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