Russia's bomber buildup at Olenya airbase raises alarms
The Bulgarian Military portal highlights that the Russians have relocated a "significant" number of bombers to the Olenya airbase. The movements of the Russian Federation army are visible on satellite images.
Satellite images from March 11, 2025, show that 45 military aircraft have assembled at the Olenya airbase in northwestern Russia. Among them are 10 Tu-95MS bombers and 35 Tu-22M3 bombers. The presence of such a large number of aircraft in one location raises questions about Russia's intentions, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The strategic significance of Olenya
The Olenya airfield, located approximately 90 kilometres south of Murmansk, plays a key role in Russian air strategy. Its 3.2-kilometre-long runway enables operations of heavy aircraft.
Experts cited by Bulgarian Military speculate that the current concentration of bombers may be a preparation for a new wave of attacks on Ukraine. Defence analyst Michael Clarke suggests that Russia might be planning a coordinated offensive, exploiting weaknesses in Ukrainian air defences.
As mentioned, the airbase hosts not only Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers but also five An-12 transport aircraft. This could suggest that the Russians are using them to transport equipment necessary for carrying out strikes. The large number of bombers—several dozen machines—implies that the Russians might be preparing for a larger action, claims Bulgarian Military. Analysts from the Center for European Policy Analysis also speculate that Russia may be rotating aircraft for maintenance.
Equipment gathered at the Russian airbase
The Tu-95MS is one of the oldest strategic aircraft still in use within the Russian arsenal. It is noted for an impressive range of about 12,070 kilometres, allowing it to carry out missions over substantial distances. Equipped with four NK-12 turboprop engines, the Tu-95MS can achieve a maximum speed exceeding 805 kilometres per hour. Additionally, this aircraft can carry loads of up to 20,000 kilograms, making it an extremely versatile tool in military operations.
Tu-95MS aircraft are adapted to carry various weapons. Their arsenal includes Kh-55 and Kh-101 cruise missiles, as well as conventional and nuclear bombs. The Kh-55 missiles, with a range of up to 3,000 kilometres, are capable of destroying strategic targets over long distances. The Kh-101, on the other hand, is a more modern version, equipped with advanced guidance systems, making them even more precise and effective in action.
Meanwhile, the Tu-22M3 bombers are contemporary machines that combine advanced technologies, making them among the most modern in their class. Thanks to their design, they are capable of carrying out missions over a distance of several thousand kilometres. This makes them extremely effective in large-scale operations.
In terms of weaponry, Tu-22M3s are equipped with modern missile systems, including those with long-range capabilities. Although detailed information about their armaments is not widely available, these bombers are known to be frequently used in operations requiring significant firepower. Their capability to carry advanced missile systems makes them a key component in large-scale military operations where high striking power is essential.
