Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) said it destroyed a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber at the Engels air base in Russia’s Saratov region during a long-range drone strike, with President Volodymyr Zelensky praising the operation as another successful “long-range sanction” against Moscow.
SBU said on Friday, July 17, that its long-range drones flew approximately 800 kilometers (about 500 miles) to reach the target.
“The SBU’s long-range drones covered about 800 kilometers to the target. According to preliminary data, the aircraft suffered critical damage – its tail section was completely torn off,” the agency said on Telegram.
The SBU said the bomber had been regularly used to launch large-scale missile strikes against Ukraine.
The agency said the operation was carried out as part of efforts to reduce Russia’s military and economic capabilities, in line with tasks set by Zelensky.
“The SBU systematically destroys important elements of the Russian war machine. Every strategic bomber eliminated means dozens of missiles that will not be launched at Ukrainian cities, saved Ukrainian lives, and tens of millions of dollars in irreparable losses for the enemy,” its update says.
The SBU added that Russia’s strategic aviation “can no longer feel safe even at its most remote military airfields.”
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Zelensky thanked Ukrainian forces for the strike in his Telegram post.
“Our long-range sanctions against Russia for this war were successful once again. In particular, SBU forces destroyed a Tu-95 military aircraft in Engels that was used to launch missile strikes against our country,” Zelensky said.
He described the attack as a “fair and active defense” by Ukraine.
Zelensky also said Ukrainian forces struck Russian oil industry facilities and other designated military targets in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory.
“We are increasing the price Russia pays for its aggression against our state and our people,” he wrote.
Russian authorities had not immediately commented on the claim.
Russia’s main long-range missile bombers
The Tu-95, which first flew in 1952, remains one of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ primary strategic missile carriers.
According to available estimates, Russia had 45 Tu-95MS bombers and 18 modernized Tu-95MSM aircraft as of 2023. The upgraded Tu-95MSM can carry the newer Kh-101 cruise missiles, while older variants are equipped with Soviet-era Kh-55 and Kh-555 cruise missiles.
Designed to strike strategic targets in all weather conditions and at any time of day, the Tu-95 can carry up to six cruise missiles on an internal rotary launcher.
The aircraft is powered by NK-12 turboprop engines – the most powerful turboprop engines ever built. Their efficiency has helped keep the Tu-95 in service for decades, although they also make it one of the loudest military aircraft in the world.
Tu-95 key specifications:
- Crew: 7
- Loaded weight: 190 metric tons
- Maximum speed: 830 km/h (about 515 mph)
- Engine power: 15,000 horsepower per engine
- Combat radius: 6,500 km (about 4,040 miles)
- Maximum range: 13,000 km (about 8,080 miles)
- Estimated value: More than $26 million
Why does Russia use the Tu-95 against Ukraine
According to Defense Express, the Tu-160 is used less frequently, while the Tu-95MS carries out the majority of Russia’s long-range missile strikes against Ukrainian targets.
Military analysts say the Tu-95MS is more reliable and easier to maintain than the newer Tu-160 strategic bomber.
The Kh-101 cruise missile carried by the Tu-95MS has an estimated range of up to 5,500 km (3,420 miles) and weighs approximately 2,200-2,400 kilograms (4,850-5,290 pounds). Analysts say the missile is difficult to intercept because it can maneuver and alter its flight path after launch.
The Kh-101 is also among Russia’s most expensive conventional missiles, with an estimated cost of around $3 million per missile – roughly twice the reported price of a Kalibr cruise missile.
