Ukrainian forces struck two locations used by russian forces to launch military aircraft and attack drones during the night of November 15. The targets included russian Akhtubinsk airfield in russia's Astrakhan region and a drone storage and launch facility in Oryol region.
Akhtubinsk airfield is located approximately 650 kilometers from the front line. It is an important military aviation facility that hosts the 929th Center, one of the country's primary institutions responsible for testing new military aircraft, aviation equipment, and weapons systems.
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The facility plays a significant role in evaluating advanced russian aircraft and missiles before they enter operational service. It is also used as a deployment site for Su-34 fighter-bombers, which regularly carry out strikes against Ukrainian positions and cities using guided aerial bombs.
Following the strike, a powerful secondary detonation was recorded at the airfield. According to the Ukrainian military, the explosion occurred at a storage facility containing components for guided aviation missiles. This could indicate damage to supplies intended for the russian military's airstrike operations.
Ukrainian forces also struck the PRV-13 mobile radar altimeter at the facility. The system is designed to measure the altitude of airborne objects and determine their coordinates, making it an important component of the airfield's radar infrastructure.
The second target was russian drone facility near Tsimbulova in Oryol region. The site, described as the Tsimbulova drone port, is used for storing, preparing, and launching attack unmanned aerial vehicles against Ukraine.
Russian forces use such facilities to organize drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure, and other civilian facilities. Striking these locations can disrupt the preparation and deployment of attack drones, potentially reducing russia's ability to conduct further aerial attacks.
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