Russia tries to secure its strategic aviation by relocating aircraft to Olenya airfield — Defense Express

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

“There are several factors that encourage Russians to move strategic aviation to remote airfields. There are several major strategic aviation airfields in Russia. In particular, one airfield in eastern Russia - Engels and Olenya (on the Kola Peninsula - ed.). Ukrainian missiles have already reached the Engels airfield,” Riabykh said.

According to the expert, the relocation of aircraft to the Olenya airfield indicates a successful outcome of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' strikes on airfields in Russia.

“Olenya airfield remains the only airfield where the occupiers can secure their strategic aviation. Therefore, the relocation of strategic aircraft to this airfield may be due to the fact that they fear losing the already scarce aircraft that Russians can no longer produce. On the other hand, the relocation of aircraft to Olenya airfield was the result of Ukrainian military strikes on airfields in Krasnodar Krai and the temporarily occupied Crimea. Therefore, it is likely that the Russians have received some information about the plans of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to strike the Engels airfield,” he added.

• On May 19, Defense Express reported, citing satellite imagery, that as of May 15, 2024, 12 Tu-95MS and 13 Tu-22M3 strategic bombers were spotted at the Olenya airfield in the Murmansk region, Russia.