Tu-95MS, A-50 and Tu-22M3: from Murmansk to Irkutsk, drones destroyed Russian strategic bombers

A large Ukrainian swarm of drones struck Russian airbases.

On 1 June, massive drone attacks struck the Olenya and Belaya airbases. Explosions were also recorded in the Irkutsk region of the Russian Federation. This was reported by Clash Report.

Several Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers can be seen on fire. This operation, dubbed ‘The Web,’ could have caused more than $2 billion in damage. More than 40 Russian aircraft were reportedly damaged, including A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers.

It appears that the Ukrainian FPV drones were launched from parked trucks that remained in place for several hours to target Russian strategic air bases.

Irkutsk is a large city located in Eastern Siberia. Russian Tu-95MS bombers could have been destroyed at this location at the Belaya airbase in the Irkutsk region, 4,300 km from Ukraine.

The importance of the A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 in Russia’s military strategy

A-50 ‘Opora’

Flying radar and command post of Russia. It acts as an early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.

The A-50 ‘Opryora’ aircraft tracks aircraft, cruise missiles, etc. over long distances. It coordinates fighters and air defence systems such as the S-400.

They are vital for situational awareness, but Russia has very few of them – making each one indispensable.

Tu-95 ‘Bear’

The Tu-95 ‘Bear’ is called an icon of the Cold War. This aircraft still poses a nuclear threat.

It is a long-range strategic bomber and cruise missile carrier. The main part of Russia’s nuclear triad, it is used for conventional strikes.

It is known for its extraordinary range (up to 15,000 km) and upgrades to extend its service life. It is often used to send power signals near NATO airspace.

Tu-22M3

Russia’s supersonic strike aircraft, the Tu-22M3, is designed for ground and anti-ship missions. It is capable of carrying nuclear or conventional weapons, such as X-22/X-32 missiles.

Fast, manoeuvrable, and heavily used in conflicts from Syria to Ukraine. An upgraded version (Tu-22M3M) is in limited service.

Together, these three types of aircraft form the backbone of Russia’s strategic air force, encompassing surveillance, long-range bombing and precision strike capabilities.

Losses in this fleet would seriously undermine Russia’s global influence and deterrence capabilities.

To recap, Ukraine’s allies are discussing the supply of additional Patriot air defence systems.