In a major attack on March 20, a series of drone strikes targeted Engels airfield in Russia’s Saratov region. This location is a critical base for Russia’s strategic bombers, particularly the Tu-95 aircraft, which are used for launching long-range missile strikes.
Massive Drone Attack Strikes Engels Airfield
The attack was part of a broader wave of drone operations that night, with reports indicating that Russia’s air defense systems engaged over 130 drones across multiple regions. However, despite efforts to intercept them, some drones successfully hit their targets, leading to explosions and a large fire.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that 132 drones were intercepted or destroyed, with 54 of them being shot down over the Saratov region. However, eyewitness reports and social media videos showed explosions and smoke rising from Engels, suggesting that some drones bypassed defense systems. Local authorities confirmed that this was the largest drone attack on the region since the start of the full-scale conflict.
In addition to Engels airfield, reports suggest that another major facility, the Saratov oil refinery, was also struck during the attack. The refinery is a key supplier of fuel to military operations, and damage to it could impact logistical support for Russian forces.
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Residents of Engels reported hearing multiple loud explosions and seeing a massive fire, which continued burning for hours. The scale of destruction is still being assessed, but the incident has once again placed the Engels airbase at the center of the ongoing conflict.
Kh-101 Missiles Among the Stockpiles Destroyed
One of the most significant outcomes of the attack was the reported destruction of Kh-101 air-launched cruise missiles stored at Engels airfield. These missiles are considered among Russia’s most advanced long-range weapons.
Designed for precision strikes, they are capable of hitting targets at great distances while remaining difficult to detect and intercept. They have been a key weapon in Russia’s air campaigns, particularly in missile attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
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Engels airfield is one of the main storage sites for these missiles, as it serves as a launch hub for Tu-95 bombers. The attack is believed to have caused damage to weapons depots, potentially leading to the destruction of a significant number of missiles.
The exact number of Kh-101 missiles lost remains unclear, but reports indicate that the damage was substantial. Given the strategic importance of these missiles, their destruction could impact Russia’s ability to conduct future long-range air strikes.
Satellite images and local witness accounts suggest that secondary explosions followed the initial drone strikes, supporting claims that missile stockpiles were hit. The loss of these missiles marks a major setback for Russian forces, as they require specialized production facilities and significant time to replace.
The Kh-101 is not a mass-produced weapon, and its destruction at Engels represents a material loss for Russia’s strategic aviation capabilities.
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Engels Airbase and Fuel Facility Targeted
Engels airfield is not just a launch site for strategic bombers—it also plays a crucial role in refueling and supporting air operations. The Kristal fuel facility, located within the Engels military complex, is responsible for supplying fuel to Russia’s strategic aviation fleet. Some reports suggest that the facility may have also been damaged in the attack, further complicating operations at the airbase.
This airfield has been targeted multiple times in recent months due to its importance in Russia’s military strategy. Previous attacks on Engels resulted in damage to aircraft and facilities, but the latest strike appears to have had an even greater impact. The combination of fuel, weapon stockpiles, and airfield infrastructure makes Engels a high-value target in the ongoing conflict.
The Russian government has not provided detailed information about the extent of the damage. However, footage shared online shows smoke rising from the area, and emergency crews were seen responding to the incident. The attack has drawn significant attention due to Engels’ role in Russia’s long-range missile operations.
With another major strike on Engels, the airbase remains a focal point in the conflict, demonstrating the vulnerability of even Russia’s most strategic military sites.
