This assessment follows the destruction of a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber at a base situated in the Novgorod region, which has raised concerns about the potential utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for such attacks.
According to the daily intelligence update, a Tu-22M3 medium bomber, also known by its NATO codename "Backfire," from Russia's long-range air force was believed to have been obliterated on August 19 at the Solcy-2 air base in the Novgorod region. This base is located approximately 650 kilometers away from the Ukrainian border. The Russian defense ministry attributed the attack to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The emerging evidence, if accurate, strengthens the notion that certain UAV strikes against Russian military targets could be originating from within Russia's own territory. The British Defense Ministry noted that the range of UAVs might not be sufficient to reach Solcy-2 from locations outside Russia.
"This revelation adds credibility to the assessment that some UAV-initiated attacks on Russian military installations are launched from Russian soil. The limited range of UAVs makes it improbable for external sources to reach Solcy-2," the ministry stated.
This incident marks at least the third instance of successful attacks on airfields operated by the long-range air force, raising renewed concerns about Russia's capability to safeguard strategically vital sites within its borders, especially those located far inland.
Russia has frequently employed Backfire bombers to launch AS-4 heavy anti-ship missiles (referred to as "Kitchen" by NATO) with a reputation for inaccuracy. These missiles have historically targeted Ukraine. Additionally, at the outset of the conflict, Russia bombarded Mariupol extensively using unguided bombs.
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Source: PAP