Russian bombers amass at Belaya base, raising alarm
Analysis of satellite images of the Belaya base indicates that the Russians have concentrated 42 Tu-22M3 bombers there. Analysts from Defense Express note that this represents over 80% of the entire Russian fleet of this type of aircraft and offer possible reasons for this concerning and unannounced movement.
Considering other recent movements of Russian aviation, Defense Express analysts observe that Russia has concentrated a significant portion of its strategic air fleet at the Belaya base. This base is situated in Eastern Siberia, approximately 85 kilometres from Irkutsk.
Suspicious movements of Russian bombers
Besides the Tu-22M3, the Belaya base also hosts other bombers: seven Tu-95MS and seven Tu-160. Analysts consider the gathering of such a large number of strategic aircraft in one place to be highly unusual.
Furthermore, in the first half of May, 26 MiG-31 aircraft were registered at the base, including several MiG-31K versions capable of carrying Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Additionally, the Belaya base currently accommodates transport aircraft like the An-26, An-12, and An-124, which the Russians are likely using to transport their most dangerous arsenal, including cruise missiles.
The purpose of Russian actions
While changes in the number of aircraft at the Belaya base are frequent, the current scale of movement is exceptionally large. Analysts suggest that the concentration of strategic bombers in one location may be an effort to confuse Ukraine and the West about the operational strategy of Russian aviation. Such maneuvers could increase the chances of success in future attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure.
The Belaya base is about 4,500 kilometres from Ukraine. This means that Ukrainians are unable to attack it with their long-range weapons, as they've done with many Russian facilities primarily located within 1,000 kilometres of the border. Earlier this year, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the successful testing of a new drone with a range of 3,000 kilometres. However, even this would not pose a threat to the Belaya base.
