Russia fortifies Olenya airbase: Bombers poised for action
The Bulgarian Military portal reports that the Russians have relocated a "significant" number of bombers to the Olenya airbase. The movements of the Russian Federation's army are visible in satellite images.
Satellite images from 11 March 2025, show that 45 military aircraft have been concentrated at the Olenya airbase in northwestern Russia. These include 10 Tu-95MS bombers and 35 Tu-22M3 bombers. The presence of such a large number of aircraft in one location prompts questions about Russia's intentions, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The strategic significance of Olenya
The Olenya airfield, situated approximately 90 kilometres (or about 55 miles) south of Murmansk, plays a vital role in Russian air strategy. Its runway, approximately 3 kilometres (or about 2 miles) long, facilitates the operations of heavy aircraft.
Experts cited by Bulgarian Military speculate that the current gathering of bombers could be in preparation for a new wave of attacks on Ukraine. Defence analyst Michael Clarke suggests that Russia might be planning a coordinated offensive, taking advantage of weaknesses in Ukrainian air defences.
The airbase is noted to host not only Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers but also five An-12 transport aircraft. This suggests that the Russians may be using them to transport equipment necessary for conducting strikes. The significant number of bombers implies that the Russians could be preparing for a larger operation, according to Bulgarian Military. Analysts from the Centre for European Policy Analysis also speculate that Russia might be rotating aircraft for maintenance.
Equipment gathered at the Russian airbase
The Tu-95MS is one of the oldest strategic aircraft still in operation within the Russian arsenal. It possesses an impressive range of about 12,000 kilometres (or about 7,500 miles), enabling it to carry out missions over considerable distances. Equipped with four NK-12 turboprop engines, the Tu-95MS can reach a maximum speed exceeding 800 kilometres per hour (or about 500 miles per hour). Additionally, this aircraft can carry payloads of up to 20,000 kilograms (or 44,000 pounds), making it an extremely versatile tool in military operations.
Tu-95MS aircraft are configured to carry a variety of weapons. Their arsenal includes Kh-55 and Kh-101 cruise missiles, alongside conventional and nuclear bombs. The Kh-55 missiles, with a range of up to 3,000 kilometres (or about 1,864 miles), are capable of destroying strategic targets over long distances. The Kh-101, on the other hand, is their more modern version, featuring advanced guidance systems, making them even more precise and effective in action.
Meanwhile, the Tu-22M3 bombers are modern machines that integrate advanced technologies, making them among the most state-of-the-art in their class. Due to their design, they can carry out missions over distances of several thousand kilometres, rendering 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 necessitating significant firepower. Their capability to carry advanced missile systems makes them crucial in large-scale military operations where a high degree of striking power is essential.
