Ukrainian drones hit key Russian military airbases and missile production facilities

Khrapchynskyi pointed out that most of Ukraine’s drone systems are capable of flying up to 3,000 kilometers.

“In my opinion, Russian airfields are going to face more frequent attacks under the so-called Carpet Plan, which involves air-based strikes,” the aviation expert said.

Khrapchynskyi added that we will likely see more strikes on Olenya Air Base, as it holds significant strategic value for Ukraine. The base is home to aircraft involved in massive missile strikes against Ukraine.

“Moreover, Olenya stores some of Russia’s most advanced aircraft, such as the Tu-22M3 bombers. The Tu-95 bombers, by comparison, are old and nearing the end of their service life… So Murmansk remains a key target for strikes. Hitting Olenya has disrupted some of Russia’s planned large-scale missile attacks, and I believe our drones, now even jet-powered, will continue to be highly effective in this area,” he explained.

When asked about strikes in the Moscow region, Khrapchynskyi emphasized that drones would likely target manufacturing facilities, not airfields.

“Moscow’s airfields aren’t of strategic importance. But there are many production facilities in Moscow that manufacture missiles like the Kh-101, Kh-555, Kh-59, and Kh-69, as well as UMPC modules for guided bombs. In terms of strategic targets in the Moscow region, there are plenty—especially those facilities that help Russia continue its war effort.”

Khrapchynskyi noted that these strikes are made possible due to the stealth capabilities of Ukraine’s drones:

“Ukraine has focused on developing unmanned aerial systems, which NATO once deemed unpromising in this category. We’re seeing that there’s very little defense against these systems worldwide. Few technologies can detect drones of this class. That’s why we’re able to penetrate deep into Russian territory, bypassing air defenses. Some of our drones are the size of a light sports aircraft and can carry substantial payloads to deliver powerful strikes.”

For two consecutive days—Sep. 11 and 12—Russian officials reported drone attacks in the Murmansk region, home to the Olenya military airbase. The base houses Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers, which are used by Russia to launch missile strikes on Ukraine. Murmansk is about 1,800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Earlier, on Sep. 10, Russia reported drone attacks on Moscow and other regions.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that 144 drones were involved in the attack, which forced the closure of Moscow’s three major airports.