Camilla Jessen
New satellite images show Russia relocating bombers and other military aircraft to Siberia.
Russia is moving its long-range Tu-95MS strategic bombers to Belaya Air Base, over 4,500 kilometers from Ukraine, according to newly released satellite images analyzed by open-source intelligence (OSINT) researcher MT Anderson.
The images, shared on X, show nine Tu-95MS aircraft stationed at the base—one of which had just landed.
Belaya, located in eastern Siberia, is a known launch point for long-range strikes against Ukrainian targets, but its remote location marks a notable shift in strategy.
This was reported WP Tech.
A Heavily Armed Airbase
In addition to the Tu-95s, the images also reveal a diverse fleet at the base, including:
- Tu-22M bombers
- MiG-31 interceptors
- Su-27 fighter jets
- At least one Tu-160 strategic bomber
- Several An-26 transport aircraft
This mix suggests that Belaya is becoming a key hub for both offensive operations and logistical support, well outside the reach of Ukraine’s current front-line air defenses.
Distance as a Defensive Advantage
The base’s 4,500 km distance from Ukraine means that aircraft launching from Belaya must travel significant distances before engaging in combat missions.
While this increases flight times and fuel needs, it also gives Ukrainian forces more time to detect and prepare for incoming strikes—a possible trade-off in strategic planning.
At the same time, moving aircraft farther from the front lines reduces their vulnerability.
Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated it can strike deep inside Russian territory—sometimes over 1,000 km—posing a real threat to bombers stationed closer to the border.
Belaya’s remote location makes it much harder for Ukraine to target these assets.
The Role of the Tu-95MS in Russia’s Arsenal
The Tu-95MS, a Cold War-era strategic bomber, remains one of Russia’s most potent long-range platforms despite its age. With a range of up to 12,000 km and a payload capacity of 20 tons, it can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.
Its arsenal includes:
- Kh-55 cruise missiles (range: ~3,000 km)
- Kh-101 cruise missiles, a more advanced, precision-guided variant
Powered by four NK-12 turboprop engines, the Tu-95MS can reach speeds over 800 km/h, and its endurance allows it to play a central role in Russia’s strategy of long-range power projection.