(SARATOV OBLAST, RUSSIA) – Satellite imagery has confirmed that a Ukrainian drone strike on Engels-2 air base damaged a Russian Tu-95 Bear strategic bomber, blowing off part of its right wing, according to imagery shared by the Strategic Aviation Telegram channel.
The aircraft was reportedly used for training flights rather than bombing missions. Russian sources indicated there are no plans to repair the airframe, which is believed to be one of Russia’s older Tu-95 variants no longer capable of carrying heavy loads.
The strike occurred during a larger Ukrainian drone operation against Engels air base. The satellite imagery shows the bomber with the end section of its right wing missing. At least one engine also appears to have been removed, though it was reported as an active airframe possibly undergoing maintenance at the time of the attack.
Ukraine has previously targeted Russian aircraft undergoing maintenance because they are more vulnerable when stationary. Engels air base was hit in July as well, destroying another Tu-95 Bear.
Russia officially has between 45 and 55 Tu-95 airframes in service, but it is estimated that only 28 are airworthy. Eleven have been confirmed destroyed so far. This latest damaged aircraft would likely be classified as damaged rather than destroyed, though if Russia does not repair it the outcome is effectively the same.
The loss of a training airframe will complicate future crew training for the Tu-95 fleet. Russia may be forced to relegate one of its older but still active missile carrying Bears into the training role to compensate.
Footage and satellite imagery analysis were provided by the Suchomimus defence analysis channel, citing the Strategic Aviation Telegram page.
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