'Russian bombers are burning en masse' — Ukraine's SBU drones hit 'more than 40' aircraft in mass attack, source says
kyivindependent.com
"Currently, more than 40 aircraft are known to have been hit, including the A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3," a source told the Kyiv Independent.

An operation by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has hit “more than 40” Russian bombers at air bases “in the rear of the Russian Federation,” a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent on June 1.

“Enemy strategic bombers are burning en masse in Russia — this is the result of a special operation by the SBU,” the source said.

Video provided by the source shows what appears to be a row of heavy bomber aircraft on fire at an undisclosed location.

  • mgnome@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    5 months ago

    And that, ladies and gentlemen (and everyone else), may be entire Russian strategic bomber fleet, one that has been terrorizing Ukrainian cities for years now.

    Every time they got their ass kicked - like when Kerch bridge was blown up or Moskva was sunk - you’d be sure to expect a bombing run at night. That was their temper tantrum weapon, and one that simply terrorized our people, Kyiv and outskirts had it really bad last few weeks. And now it may be gone.

    • rottingleaf@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      5 months ago

      one that has been terrorizing Ukrainian cities for years now.

      No, that’s not how strategic bombers are used. Not in our time.

      These bombers were part of the “dead hand”, an element of those nuclear threats Russian officials sometimes make.

      Maybe some missiles were being launched from them from time to time, but I doubt even that.

      That was their temper tantrum weapon, and one that simply terrorized our people, Kyiv and outskirts had it really bad last few weeks. And now it may be gone.

      You must know better, but I’ve read they are using Geran drone swarms more and more, I suppose those are unaffected by this.

      • halcyoncmdr@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        5 months ago

        Losing 1/3 of your bombers in one attack means you’re going to be a lot more careful with the remaining ones though. They lost a significant chunk of their reactionary forces in one go.

        Russia has already been fighting a lot longer than they planned and have taken much heavier losses. The only reason they’re still going at all is Putin’s ego and inability to admit any mistakes.