Ukraine Claims Destruction of Glide Bombs at Russian Air Base Used for Attacks

Ukrainian forces recently executed a coordinated strike on a significant Russian airbase, targeting facilities that housed fuel, ammunition, and destructive glide bombs. This operation took place overnight at the Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd region, which has been actively used to deploy aircraft conducting bombings along the front lines.

A source from the Security Service of Ukraine disclosed to Business Insider that the attack was a joint effort involving both the Security Service and Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces. The strikes resulted in multiple explosions at the warehouses, destroying critical supplies throughout the night and into the morning.

Videos circulating on social media purportedly showcase thick black smoke rising from the airfield, although Business Insider has not been able to confirm the authenticity of these clips independently.

The source emphasized that “the SBU works with surgical precision at the airfields from which the enemy attacks Ukraine,” asserting that operations like these significantly diminish Russia’s aerial superiority and hinder its aviation capabilities.

Ukraine faces restrictions on using its more advanced Western-made missiles for strikes inside Russian territory. To circumvent these limitations, Kyiv has increasingly relied on domestically produced long-range attack drones. This tactical approach is part of an ongoing campaign aimed at Moscow’s military and energy infrastructure.

Particularly, Ukraine has been targeting the glide bomb threat posed by Russian forces. Glide bombs are essentially unguided bombs modified with special kits to enhance their precision guidance capabilities. They are exceptionally destructive, with some variants weighing over 6,000 pounds, and pose a challenge for air defenses due to their short flight durations, small radar profiles, and non-ballistic flight paths.

These glide bombs have been utilized by Russia to cause significant damage to both military targets and civilian infrastructure throughout the war. Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russia had deployed over 750 glide bombs within a single week earlier this month.

Given the difficulty in intercepting glide bombs, Ukraine’s effective method to mitigate this threat lies in preemptively targeting the Russian fighter-bombers before they release their payloads or striking the aircraft and their munitions while still on the ground at the airbases.

In prior months, Ukraine has executed a series of strikes aimed at Russian airfields housing glide bombs and fighter-bombers, including the latest operation at Marinovka. By focusing on these strategic locations, Ukraine hopes to diminish the operational capacity of the Russian military and increase the safety of its own forces from aerial bombardment.

The ongoing conflict has intensified with these recent developments, as both sides continue to adapt and evolve their strategies to gain the upper hand. Ukraine’s focus on long-range drone attacks marks a significant chapter in its military campaign against Russia.

This latest drone strike not only signals Ukraine’s capability to reach deep into enemy territory but also underscores the broader tactical environment where air superiority and precision strike capabilities remain pivotal in the ongoing conflict.

As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to observe with keen interest, aware that each military maneuver may significantly influence the course of the war.

Source: Business Insider