The Unsettling Attack on Russia’s Soltsy-2 Airbase
In a world where geopolitical tensions are on the rise, the recent attack on the Soltsy-2 Airbase in Russia stands out as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities even the most powerful nations face. The Soltsy-2 Airbase, home to the Tu-22M3 Backfire swing-wing bombers, became the target of what appears to be a drone attack. Initial reports, backed by images of dark smoke rising from the base, confirmed the incident. Subsequent images depicted a Tu-22M3 aircraft engulfed in flames. These visuals, initially shared on Telegram, quickly made their rounds on various social media platforms. Another aircraft was also reportedly damaged, though details remain murky.
The Soltsy-2 Airbase’s location is strategic. It’s situated approximately 115 miles south of St. Petersburg, 315 miles west of Moscow, and a mere 100 miles east of NATO-affiliated Estonia. This places the base roughly 415 miles north of the Ukrainian border. Given its proximity to multiple geopolitical hotspots, the attack on this base is not just a local incident but has broader implications.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the attack, stating that around 10 o’clock Moscow time, a “copter type UAV” targeted a military airfield in the Novgorod region. The UAV was detected and hit with small arms fire. The aftermath saw a fire breakout in the airfield parking lot, damaging one airplane.
This incident underscores a shift in modern warfare. While Ukraine might not match the Russian Air Force in traditional capabilities, it’s leveraging asymmetric means to neutralize threats. Aircraft, despite their prowess in the skies, are most vulnerable on the ground. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War highlighted criticism from the Russian military blogger community, who chastised the defense ministry for not adequately protecting its aircraft. The lack of hangars or even basic protective structures and netting to defend against drone strikes was a glaring oversight.
The Tu-22M, a relic from the Cold War era, first took to the skies in 1969 and was inducted into service in 1972. During the Cold War, the Soviet Air Force employed this aircraft for strategic bombing and long-range maritime anti-shipping roles. Despite its age, the Tu-22M remains a formidable machine. It’s a supersonic heavy bomber with a variable sweep wing design, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 1.88 and covering distances of around 4,225 miles. Russia built approximately 497 of these bombers, with around 70 currently operational. The aircraft has undergone extensive upgrades, now designated as the Tu-22M3, featuring new navigation, communication, and targeting equipment, as well as more efficient engines.
The Tu-22M’s role in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is significant. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, these bombers have been deployed to launch missile strikes on Ukraine from within Russian airspace. They’ve employed missiles like the supersonic KH-22s, KH-32 variants, and the Kinzhal hypersonic missile. Due to the high velocities of these missiles, Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against them have been limited. The Ukrainian Air Force has admitted to the challenges posed by these missiles, emphasizing the need for advanced anti-aircraft missile systems from Western partners.
If the attack on the Soltsy-2 Airbase was indeed executed using a commercially accessible drone, as suggested by the Russian Ministry of Defense, it underscores a pressing concern. Guarding against such localized assaults is a monumental challenge. This incident serves as a stark reminder that groups with the intent and capability to execute such actions are operating deep within Russian territory, far from Ukraine’s borders.
