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The Destruction of the Oil Depot Near Engels Airfield: How Ukrainian Drone Strikes Targeted a Key Fuel Hub for Tu-95MS and Tu-160

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Takeoff of Tu-95MS from Engels Airfield / Illustrative photo from open sources
Takeoff of Tu-95MS from Engels Airfield / Illustrative photo from open sources

What level of damage did this facility suffer, and will additional strikes be necessary?

Previously, reports indicated that Ukraine’s Defense Forces had used long-range kamikaze drones to attack the Kristall oil depot near Engels Airfield—one of russia’s key strategic aviation bases—during raids on January 8 and 14, 2025.

Now, we have the opportunity to assess the physical impact of these strikes and determine whether additional attacks on this oil depot are necessary to completely deprive Engels of its fuel supply.

Read more: Still on Fire After Previous Attack, Engels Airbase in russia Faces Ukrainian Drones Once Again

In its latest intelligence update, the UK Ministry of Defence released a satellite image of the Kristall oil depot, dated January 21, 2025. The image reveals that four storage tanks at the site were incinerated, while ten more sustained significant damage.

If we assume that the Kristall oil depot has a total of 58 fuel storage tanks, then as a result of two long-range drone strikes by Ukraine’s Defense Forces, 20% of the facility’s capacity was damaged or destroyed.

This suggests that at least eight additional strikes by our long-range kamikaze drones may be required to fully disable the Kristall oil depot, thereby cutting off Engels Airfield’s direct fuel supply needed for Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers.

Takeoff of Tu-160 from Engels Airfield
Takeoff of Tu-160 from Engels Airfield / Illustrative photo from open sources

Moreover, it is important to emphasize that russian forces continue to use Engels Airbase for basing both tactical aviation and strategic bombers, including the Tu-95MS and Tu-160. This further justifies the necessity of additional strikes on the Kristall oil depot.

Furthermore, if and when the Kristall oil depot near Engels Airfield is completely disabled, it will set a significant precedent: a major portion of the enemy’s strategic aviation capabilities would be rendered inoperative due to the destruction of its supporting infrastructure.

Finally, one relevant historical example from World War II is worth mentioning. Between 1942 and 1944, Nazi Germany produced up to 1,200 long-range He-177 bombers. These aircraft, according to their specifications, had a flight range of up to 6,000 kilometers and could carry up to 7,000 kilograms of bombs.

German He-177 from World War II
German He-177 from World War II / Archival photo from open sources

A distinctive feature of these bombers was their four engines, which were housed in two nacelles, posing operational challenges. In terms of performance, the German He-177s were capable of reaching the British Isles, posing a serious threat. However, by mid-1944, the use of these bombers ceased entirely due to a severe fuel shortage.

Read more: ​Engels Airbase Still on Fire: Ukrainian Military Announces Completion of Complex Multi-Day Operation