Ukraine's drone strike on Khanskaya airbase: aircraft types and why it's not just a training base

According to Defense Express, the strike was confirmed by local footage and NASA's fire monitoring service.

Local authorities acknowledged the attack and the resulting fire. The evacuation of residents from the nearby village of Rodnikove suggests that a key target, possibly an ammunition depot, was hit.

Although the airfield is officially referred to as the 272nd training base of the Krasnodar Aviation School, recent satellite images show its current role as a military airbase. The images captured 12 fighter jets, likely Su-30, Su-34, or Su-35 models, which are much larger than the L-39 training aircraft, indicating a shift in purpose.

While it's unclear which specific aircraft were hit, more detailed satellite imagery expected soon could reveal the full extent of the damage. Ukrainian drones have previously inflicted significant destruction on Russian air bases, such as the attack on Morozovsk.