Russia has started building fortified structures at key military airbases in an apparent effort to shield its aircraft from increasingly sophisticated Ukrainian drone attacks, according to satellite imagery analyzed by the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).The imagery, dated July 7 and 9, reveals an increase in defensive construction at airfields including Khalino in Russias Kursk region and the Saki airbase in annexed Crimea.At Khalino, analysts identified 10 reinforced bunkers covered with earth, 12 uncovered concrete bunker-type shelters and eight structures resembling aircraft hangars.At Saki, satellite images captured two new concrete shelters and aircraft bunkers being built within days.The constructions followed Ukraines covert drone campaign known as Operation Spiders Web.The June 1 operation involved using drones launched from civilian trucks deep inside Russian territory to strike high-value targets, including strategic bombers and surveillance aircraft.The Ukrainian General Staff claims at least 12 aircraft were destroyed in the strikes, including several Tu-22M bombers and A-50 airborne early warning and control planes that arevalued at $300 million each.In response, Russia has relocated dozens of bombers to airbases farther from the Ukrainian border.
Satellite images reviewed by AviVector, a Ukraine-based satellite intelligence agency, indicate that all Tu-160 aircraft previously stationed at the Belaya airfield in the Irkutsk region and at Olenya in the Murmansk region were relocated in early June.Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at Britains Royal United Services Institute, said the imagery suggests that Moscow seeks to reduce the risk of future drone attacks.