In response to numerous successful Ukrainian one-way attack unmanned aerial system strikes, russia has commenced a programme to protect vulnerable aircraft at a number of airfields close to the russia-Ukraine border. These airfields include Millerovo, Kursk Vostochny and Hvardiiske, where construction of hardened aircraft shelters has been identified. These hardened aircraft shelters consist of a dome shaped rooftop, thick blast doors and are covered with earth for additional protection, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
The Millerovo air base is situated approximately 17 km east of the russia-Ukraine border and was most recently targeted on July 22, 2025. In addition to the construction of hardened aircraft shelters, eight newly constructed drive-through aircraft shelters are likely nearing operational readiness.
Read more: UK Defense Intelligence Explains Why russia Hides Its Navy
The construction of these hardened aircraft shelters provides a layer of protection to aircraft deployed to russian airbases against future Ukrainian strikes.
As Defense Express previously reported, it is almost certain that the Day of the russian Navy parades, originally expected to take place Sunday, July 27, 2025, have been cancelled across russia due to force protection concern.
Defense Express also reported that since May 2025, russia has rolled out extensive cellular (mobile) internet blackouts across its territory. 654 outages were recorded in June alone, nearly ten times the number recorded in May. These outages impacted coverage for over half the country.
The russian government has formally stated that the blackouts are intended to block Ukrainian unmanned aerial systems reliant on cellular signals, but independent reports suggest the goal is tighter control over online information.
Read more: UK Defense Intelligence: russia Escalates Mobile Internet Blackouts Amid Drone Threats and Information Control
