On May 3, 2023, several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) struck russia’s Seshcha Air Base, 150 km north of the Ukrainian border. One An-124 heavy transport aircraft of russia’s Military Transport Aviation (VTA) was likely damaged, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Seshcha is a hub for the VTA in western russia and has played a major role in enabling russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia also uses the site to launch Iranian-produced one-way-attack UAVs towards Kyiv.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: Russian Military Expands Controversial Recruitment Scheme with Prisoners
According to the UK Defense Intelligence, the VTA is a well-resourced element of the russian Air Force, essential for transport across the vast country. Russian leaders will be concerned that russia’s air defences continue to be compromised, holding at risk key strategic assets such as VTA bases.
As Defense Express reported, The UK Defense Intelligence: 72 SMRB Withdraws in Disarray, Ukrainian Forces Regain Territory in Bakhmut Operation.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: Water Scarcity Worsens in russian-Occupied Donetsk Despite Attempted Remedies