With the beginning of the offensive operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Zaporozhye direction, the Russian army transferred strategic aircraft to an airfield near the city of Mozdok in North Ossetia (Northern Caucasus Russia).
.in_text_content_22 { width: 300px; height: 600px; } @media(min-width: 600px) { .in_text_content_22 { width: 580px; height: 400px; } }
This is evidenced by satellite images of Planet Labs, which are at the disposal of “Schemes”.
On the night of June 22, according to the Air Force of Ukraine, TU-22M3 aircraft took off from this airfield, which launched X-22 cruise missiles into the Dnipropetrovsk region, as a result of which, in particular, several private houses, a gas pipeline, water supply, and power lines were damaged. and cars. .
For the first time, TU-22M3 strategic aviation aircraft, which are carriers of Kh-22 cruise missiles, were recorded at this airfield by Planet Labs on May 24. You can count six bombers in the picture.
At the same time, as early as April 28, as evidenced by satellite photos, there was no strategic aviation at this airfield.
On the eve of a missile attack on the Dnepropetrovsk region, 7 Tu-22M3 strategic aircraft were stationed at the airfield near Mozdok. Also in the picture you can see cargo planes that can transport missiles.
In a commentary to Radio Liberty, military expert Mikhail Zhirokhov said that this may indicate a change in tactics by the Russian army.
Those directions that they have already used – from the side of Ryazan, from the side of the Caspian Sea – they are already quite powerfully covered by air defense, and the Mozdok airfield makes it possible to strike from the Black Sea. In addition, reducing the amount of fuel for a sortie allows you to hang another missile to the aircraft. The effectiveness of missile strikes can be many times greater,” Zhirokhov added.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.