Drone Strikes Target Russia’s Engels Airbase For Bombers Aircraft

A series of drone strikes hit the Engels-2 airbase in Russia’s Saratov region overnight, triggering explosions near one of the country’s most critical military facilities. The airbase, known for housing Russia’s long-range strategic bombers, came under attack in what appears to be another strike deep inside Russian territory.

Eyewitnesses described multiple explosions in the early hours, with thick smoke rising from the area. According to local reports, emergency services were quickly deployed, and authorities ordered evacuations for residents living near the base due to the fires caused by the attack. Saratov Oblast Governor Roman Busargin confirmed the evacuations, citing security concerns.

Engels-2 airbase serves as a key hub for Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, including the Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft, which have been used in long-range missions and missile strikes. This is not the first time the base has been targeted—previous attacks in 2022 and 2023 exposed vulnerabilities in Russia’s air defenses, despite its advanced radar and missile systems.

While the extent of the damage remains uncertain, the attack signals the growing role of long-range drones in modern warfare. The Kremlin has yet to officially comment on the incident, leaving questions about potential military losses unanswered. However, the repeated strikes on such a critical airbase highlight the increasing pressure on Russian air defense systems and the evolving tactics of drone warfare.