Additional Coverage:
- Ukraine says it destroyed glide bombs at a Russian air base that aircraft fly out of to bomb the front lines (newsbreak.com)
In a recent nighttime operation, Ukrainian forces launched a drone strike on the Marinovka airbase in Russia’s Volgograd region, effectively hitting storage facilities that contained ammunition, fuel, and powerful glide bombs. This attack is part of Ukraine’s ongoing strategy to target Russian military assets deep within the country’s borders.
Sources from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) revealed to Business Insider that the strike was executed in collaboration with Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, causing significant damage to the airfield that regularly supports bombing missions on the frontlines. The aftermath of the raid left the airbase engulfed in flames and smoke, as depicted in videos shared on social media, though these visuals remain unverified by news outlets.
Notably, this incident continues Ukraine’s tactical focus on disabling the glide bombs—a type of weapon that has been instrumental for Russia in targeting both military and civilian sites in Ukraine. Glide bombs, essentially enhanced conventional bombs, are tricky for air defenses due to their speed, small radar visibility, and unconventional trajectory.
Despite restrictions on utilizing Western-supplied long-range missiles for strikes within Russia, Ukraine has adapted by employing domestically produced drones for these operations. By targeting Russian airbases that house both the aircraft and these bombs, Ukraine aims to diminish the glide bomb threat substantially.
This strike, described as remarkably effective, is part of a broader Ukrainian effort noted for its precision and strategic impact on Russian air superiority. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the urgency of these tactics is underscored by Russia’s recent intense use of glide bombs in their military operations.