Satellite Image Reveals Russian Strategic Bombers Protected by Tires Amidst Drone Threat
Updated: September 6, 2023, 18:41 GMT
Engels Air Base in Russia has been in the spotlight recently due to a peculiar sight captured by satellite imagery. Dozens of car tires were observed placed on top of Russian military strategic bombers, prompting experts to speculate on the motive behind this unusual move. Some suggest it may serve as a temporary measure to protect the bombers from potential drone strikes in Ukraine.
As reported by the US CNN on September 6th, Maxa Technology, a US satellite imaging company, released these compelling satellite images of Engels Air Base situated in the Saratov region of southern Russia.
The photograph, taken on September 1st, showcases multiple black tires strategically positioned on the fuselage and wings of two Russian Tupolev (Tu)-95 strategic bombers stationed at the base. CNN experts suggest that the Russian military has resorted to this tactic to counter the threat of drone attacks in Ukraine.
While this method is undoubtedly temporary, it aims to reduce the visibility of the bombers during nighttime, thereby diminishing the success rate of potential attacks. Additionally, these tires would serve as a safeguard against potential aircraft damage in the event of an explosion in mid-air by preventing fragments from causing harm.
A military official from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) expressed awareness of the tire placement but admitted uncertainty about its effectiveness, stating, “It appears to be a measure to protect the airframe from drones, but we are unsure of its actual impact.”
Francisco Serra Martins, co-founder of drone manufacturer Oneway Aerospace, suggests that the usage of tires will have limited effectiveness, as infrared cameras can still detect the heat signature of strategic air assets on airports. Similarly, Stephen Watkins, a consultant specialized in tracking and studying planes and ships, acknowledges the efforts made to protect the planes but emphasizes that the outcome depends on various factors.
Engels Air Base serves as a crucial military facility, housing strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear bombs such as the Tu-95 and Tu-160.
In recent times, both Russia and Ukraine have experienced an uptick in drone strikes targeting each other’s infrastructure. Just last month, several areas, including a civil-military public airport in Pskov, western Russia, near the Estonian border, were targeted by drones, resulting in damage to military transport planes. Moscow, the capital, was also attacked.
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Reported by: inishmore@yna.co.kr
Execution time2023-09-06 18:41
Satellite image of a tire on top of a bomber at Engels Air Base in Russia.
[엑스(옛 트위터) @Tatarigami_UA 캡처. 재판매 및 DB 금지]
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kwon Soo-hyun = Dozens of car tires are held atop a Russian military strategic bomber, drawing attention to the background. Experts speculated that it was a stopgap measure to protect the bombers from a drone strike in Ukraine.
According to reports from the US CNN on the 6th (local time), the US satellite image company Maxa Technology recently released satellite images of Engels Air Base in Saratov, southern Russia.
This photo, taken on the 1st, shows dozens of black tires on the fuselage and wings of two Russian Tupolev (Tu)-95 strategic bombers located at the base.
CNN, citing experts, said the Russian military may have put tires on top of the bombers to avoid drone strikes in Ukraine.
Although it is a temporary measure, it can reduce the success rate of attacks by reducing visibility at night, and can prevent fragments from splashing and damaging the aircraft in the event of an explosion in the air.
A North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military official who requested anonymity said he was aware of the tire’s existence and said, “It appears to be a measure to protect the airframe from drones, but it is not know what effect it will have.”
Francisco Serra Martins, co-founder of drone manufacturer Oneway Aerospace, said wearing tires would have a limited effect, saying, “It may reduce the heat signature of strategic air assets on airports, but it will still be picked up by infrared cameras.”
Stephen Watkins, a consultant who tracks and studies planes and ships, also said, “They seem to be doing everything possible to protect the plane.” It depends,” he noted.
Engels Air Base is a base military facility where strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear bombs, such as the Tu-95 and Tu-160, are deployed.
Recently, Russia and Ukraine have increased drone strikes targeting each other’s infrastructure.
On the 30th of last month, a civil-military public airport in Pskov, western Russia, near the border with Estonia, was attacked by drones, damaging military transport planes, and six other areas were attacked, including the capital Moscow , by drones.
inishmore@yna.co.kr
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