(ROSTOV OBLAST, RUSSIA) – Satellite imagery has confirmed the successful destruction of four Russian aircraft following a Ukrainian drone strike on an air base in Rostov Oblast. The strike, which resulted in a massive explosion, was confirmed by imagery shared on 18th September 2026. The attack destroyed an An-12 transport aircraft, an An-26 transport aircraft and two Mi-8 helicopters.
The satellite imagery confirms a significant loss for the Russian military. One image shows a destroyed An-12 transport aircraft, a model from the 1950s. Russia is believed to have had between 60 and 64 of these aircraft in service, making them rare targets. The An-26 is a twin engine cargo aircraft, with around 120 in service in Russia. Ukraine has now destroyed seven of these transporters.
The strike also resulted in the complete destruction of a pair of Mi-8 transport helicopters. According to the Ukrainian outlet United 24, Russia has around 300 operational Mi-8s. To date, 52 standard variants and seven electronic warfare variants have been destroyed.
While the initial strike video was reminiscent of a SAM battery detonating, no confirmation of a hit on a SAM system has been made. It is possible a transport aircraft was carrying a new supply of missiles at the time it was hit, which could have caused the large explosion. Alternatively, the An-26 showed signs of leaked fuel, indicating it was fully loaded and either had just landed or was preparing to take off.
The air base remains a major transport and logistics hub for Russian forces, with the imagery showing numerous other aircraft, including eight fixed wing aircraft and three helicopters, that remain untouched.
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