Ukrainian strike destroys vital infrastructure and equipment at Russian air base in Volgograd region – British intelligence
Photo: Russian Telegram channels
The Ukrainian strike on August 22, 2024, on the Marinovka Air Base in the Volgograd region of the Russian Federation caused large-scale destruction of crucial infrastructure and equipment.
The Ministry of Defense of Great Britain reported that on X (Twitter).
According to British intelligence, the strike resulted in:
- Four aircraft shelters destroyed;
- Three aircraft shelters damaged;
- A destroyed antenna fairing;
- Destroyed auxiliary buildings;
- Destroyed open warehouses.
According to open data, the Su-24MR frontline reconnaissance aircraft, belonging to the 2nd separate reconnaissance aviation squadron (military unit 77978) of the 4th Air Force and Air Defense Command, which was formed on January 1, 2014, from aviation squadron 697 to the 7–, is currently stationed at the air base. Su-34 fighters may also be deployed there.
For reference:
This airfield is situated near the Marinovka village in the Russian Federation's Volgograd region. It serves as the home base for the 11th Mixed Aviation Regiment (ZAP) of the 4th Mixed Aviation Division of the 4th Air Force and Air Defense Forces, housing both Su–24MR reconnaissance aircraft and Su–24M bombers.
The Ukrainian military website Defense Express has pointed out that this is the sole airfield in Russia where the enemy has constructed a protective structure for aircraft, and it is situated closer to Kazakhstan than to Ukraine.
As reported, on August 22, drones once again attacked Russian regions. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has already reported on the alleged "shooting down" of 30 Ukrainian drones over the Volgograd region.
Meanwhile, the local authorities reported on the so-called "falling of a UAV on the territory of a military facility," admitting that the attack was indeed in the area of the settlement of Marinovka but did not specify the details. At the same time, eyewitnesses recorded powerful fires and explosions on video.
Additionally, NASA satellites have detected three sources of ignition within the airfield.
- One of these sources is situated where parked airplanes are visible in satellite imagery.
- Another source is located further north, in an area with various reservoirs.
- A third fire was also spotted on the taxiway near the airfield.
It should be pointed out that a recent attack was directed at the Russian airfield of Savasleyka. According to Kyrylo Budanov, the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, the strikes destroyed one MIG-31K/I aircraft and two Il-76 aircraft. Additionally, approximately five other aircraft, likely MIG-31K/I, were damaged.
