Ukrainian attack on Russian air base damages Su-34 bomber
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A Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian air base in Akhtubinsk overnight on Aug. 20 damaged a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber, the General Staff said.
The Akhtubinsk air base is about 650 kilometers (404 miles) from the front line, and is home to Russia's 929th State Aircraft Test Center of the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff reported. This institution is Russia's primary center for testing new weapons and aircraft.
Several Su-34 jets are based in Akhtubinsk. They are multifunctional fighter-bomber jets deploying different types of guided bombs (KAB) and high-explosive bombs (FAB).
The Su-34 is also used for reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions, and can deploy air-to-surface missiles.
Earlier OSINT analysis had shown a heat signature on the airfield following the drone strike, a sign that the bomber might be damaged, Exilenova+ reported.
The attack comes on the heels of a series of deep strikes into Russia targeting military locations and energy infrastructure including the Perm oil refinery.
