On the night of August 14, 2024, the Armed Forces of Ukraine launched powerful strikes on Russian airfields, in particular on air bases near Voronezh, Borisoglebsk, and the Savasleyka base, located 650 km from the Ukrainian border. These strikes were aimed at striking important objects of Russian military infrastructure, which could significantly complicate the activities of Russian aviation, in particular carriers of hypersonic Kinzhal missiles.
Savasleyka Air Base as a Key Target
Savasleyka airbase became one of the main targets of Ukrainian strikes, as it is from this airfield that MiG-31K aircraft, which carry the Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, most often take off. As a result of the attack, there was a reasonable hope that further flights of these aircraft would be significantly complicated.
According to Defence Express, the defense at Savasleyka airbase is mainly provided by ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns and machine guns, and no more powerful air defense systems have been recorded. This has made the airbase vulnerable to air strikes.
Fires at the airfield and fuel shortages for the MiG-31
The results of the strikes were significant. NASA satellite service recorded a large fire in the area of unloading and storing fuel and lubricants at the base. This could have serious consequences for Russian aviation activity, since the MiG-31K uses a specific fuel - T-6 kerosene. This is a heavy, thermally stable fuel that allows for supersonic flights at high altitudes. The loss or damage to the reserves of this fuel would significantly complicate the flights of the MiG-31K and could limit their ability to launch Kinzhal missiles.
Prospects for the Ukrainian military
The destruction or damage to fuel tanks and infrastructure at Savasleyka airbase calls into question the continued basing of MiG-31K aircraft there. While Russia could relocate these aircraft to other airfields, this would certainly create additional difficulties for the enemy.
According to NASA, the attack caused significant fires, but no explosions or direct damage to the aircraft were recorded. This may be due to the use of air-burst warheads by Ukrainian drones, which are ideal for destroying aircraft in open areas. According to open data, the MiG-31Ks in Russia are stored in the open air, and their protection was minimal.
