Ukrainian strikes deplete Russian aviation fuel reserves
Due to recent strikes on Russian bases where aviation fuel is stored, Ukrainian armed forces have reportedly destroyed 882,000 tonnes of fuel, according to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. This quantity could support up to 900 combat missions for a fleet of 21 Tu-22M3 aircraft, each consuming 6 tonnes of fuel per flight hour.
The Ukrainian military has effectively targeted Russian fuel resources in the past few days, annihilating a total of 882,000 tonnes of fuel. The resulting fires from these attacks were intense enough to be seen from space. Expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi notes that this is sufficient to power 900 combat missions for 21 Tu-22M3 bombers, each using 6 tonnes of fuel per flight hour.
Impact of the attack on Russian resources
As analysts from Defense Express point out, Russian aviation frequently deploys the Tu-22M3 bombers to attack Ukrainian positions. These aircraft generally carry Kh-22 or Kh-32 missiles. The destruction of such vast fuel reserves (over 882,000 tonnes) implies that the Russians will, at least temporarily, have to reduce the frequency of Tu-22M3 sorties until adequate fuel supplies are regrouped at their bases.
The loss of these fuel reserves complicates logistics, suggesting that Russia's combat capabilities might be limited in the near future.
Khrapchinsky added that although strikes on Russia’s strategic facilities have a long-term impact, it does not mean Russia will cease its attempts to launch missile attacks. The Ukrainian forces must persist with operations in this direction.
Russian Tu-22M3 bombers
It is worth remembering that the Russian Tu-22M3 bomber has a considerable capability, carrying up to 24 tonnes of armaments, making it a critical asset for the Russian Federation. From a Ukrainian perspective, this aircraft represents a significant threat, as it is utilised to deploy missiles like the Kh-32 and Kh-22, which pose substantial defensive challenges for Ukraine. The Kh-22 missile, when launched from an altitude of 14,000 metres, has an estimated range of about 550 kilometres.
Furthermore, the Tu-22M3 is capable of carrying other missile types, such as the Kh-15 cruise missiles, as well as the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, which has a range of up to approximately 2,000 kilometres. These attributes render the Russian bomber a pivotal component in military operations within the region.
The Tu-22M3 is capable of reaching speeds of 2,300 kilometres per hour, with a range estimated at about 7,000 kilometres. This aircraft measures 42 metres in length, with a wingspan of 34 metres.
