Ukrainian drones target Russia's Engels airbase: explosions, munitions detonate, damage to bombers. Serhiy Zgurets’ column

Ukraine attacks Russian airbase Engels-2 in Saratov region

Yesterday morning, around seven o'clock, powerful explosions occurred at the Russian airbase Engels-2, located in the Saratov region. The airbase was attacked by Ukrainian drones. This airfield serves as the base for two regiments of Russian strategic aviation heavy bombers, including the Tu-95MS and Tu-160. It also houses storage for aviation bombs and cruise missiles. Ukraine has previously struck this airfield, the fuel storage base for these aircraft, and a refinery located across the Volga River in the region. This time, the attack on the airfield appears to have been very effective. Judging by the videos, the explosions and detonation of munitions were very powerful. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed the strike. It was reported that as a result of the successful drone attack by the SBU and Special Operations Forces, a fire, explosions, and secondary detonation of munitions were recorded near the Engels airfield.

There is a high likelihood that the target was indeed the storage for strategic aviation munitions, and it is also possible that a certain number of Kh-101 cruise missiles were destroyed. Satellite images of the area have recorded containers where these missiles are stored. Of course, it's hard to assume that the missiles have been stored in such a prepared state for a long time. However, it is possible that these missiles were prepped and could have been used to equip aircraft before their operation. Therefore, it is very important that the storage of ready-to-use missiles was hit.

Additionally, there were three Tu-95 bombers and two Tu-160 bombers at the Engels-2 airbase. This is confirmed by OSINT experts. We are therefore expecting more detailed information on the consequences of the strike on the airfield.

Ukraine’s Defense Forces use AI for battlefield planning and navigation

CEO and co-founder of Farside, Viktoria Yaremchuk, explained that most of the company's decisions are related to advancements in AI and machine learning. The company also works with big data collected from the battlefield in collaboration with Ukrainian Defense Forces units. Working with large volumes of battlefield data combined with AI algorithms allows them to provide solutions for UAV navigation.

Yaremchuk explained that the most interesting solutions being developed by the company are related to target prioritization. According to her, this will allow providing intelligence and combat planning specialists with information to better plan and organize actions on the battlefield. In turn, this will enable more efficient use of all types of unmanned systems and help build a digital solution system. Yaremchuk emphasized that the company has a vast number of developments and also collaborates with many other companies.

Viktoria Yaremchuk noted that for the development of technological solutions for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the company lacks resources, as well as comprehensive support for the system of companies and startups working with artificial intelligence. In particular, support for an integrated approach not only to testing but also to the implementation and deployment of these solutions. This involves not just individual brigades or battalions, but the integration of solutions across all branches of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. 

VR glasses: enhancing commander training for mission planning and execution

Viktoria Yaremchuk shared information about the company's active work on a system for detecting enemy drones in real time using the latest AI advancements. These algorithms allow for faster and more extensive data processing in near-real time.

Yaremchuk also shared details about a development that she is personally very proud of. Specifically, commanders can use virtual reality glasses to pre-experience a route they will later lead their unit through for a mission. This method helps commanders better prepare for actual combat on that terrain. It is highly effective. According to Yaremchuk, this tool is used by some Ukrainian Armed Forces units, particularly those that understand the value of technological applications, carefully prepare for mission planning, and properly prepare evacuation routes. This approach helps to maximize the preservation of personnel lives.

She noted that it would be very beneficial to implement such solutions across different branches of the Defense Forces. Currently, the use of this tool is not widespread in the Defense Forces, although, as Yaremchuk explained, there are quite good initiatives within the unmanned systems forces.

Alternative solutions to satellite data for Ukrainian Armed Forces

Viktoria Yaremchuk explained that the company has long emphasized the need to focus on developments that provide an alternative to satellite data. This is necessary to avoid difficulties caused by the suspension of U.S. satellite and intelligence data supplies to Ukraine. According to Yaremchuk, some of the company's solutions are already used by the Defense Forces. Specifically, the creation of 2D and 3D maps using reconnaissance drones. This method allows for quick, inexpensive, and high-quality digital replicas of terrain, even without satellite images. Of course, there are nuances regarding scale and the implementation of processes that will enable the rapid and affordable production of digital maps. This requires the integration of certain processes into the work of the unmanned systems forces, which always entails some bureaucratic and procedural changes. However, as Yaremchuk noted, such initiatives already exist.

Life cycle of weapons and military equipment production: ten key stages

Executive Director of the Technological Forces of Ukraine association, Kateryna Mykhalko, shared that the idea of the weapons and equipment life cycle emerged recently. Over the past three years, the government has introduced numerous legislative initiatives that are now greatly aiding the weapons production sector. However, as Mykhalko pointed out, these processes are often unstructured and do not consider the methodology used by the private sector. Therefore, decisions were made regarding methodologies that show the government that it is not just about weapons and production contracts. Mykhalko explained that there are 10 stages in the weapons production methodology. These include military testing, idea development, research, and then receiving feedback from the army. It is especially important for the government to consider all these 10 stages and ensure that procedures work in a way that aligns with the needs of private manufacturers.

Kateryna Mykhalko explained that the new methodology highlights key challenges for the weapons production sector at each stage. The main issue with contracting, according to her, is the need for long-term agreements, access to funding, and the fact that private manufacturers would prefer to receive funds directly to their company accounts, rather than through the treasury, to use them more effectively. Mykhalko added that each stage includes detailed recommendations, and it is crucial for the government to pay attention to this new methodology.

Kateryna Mykhalko stated that their developments are primarily aimed at the Ukrainian government, specifically the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Strategic Industry. Last year, the company released the Weapons Manufacturer's Guide, which explains to private companies how the state operates in the weapons production sector. The weapons' life cycle serves as an explanation for the government on how the private sector works in this field. These initiatives will help the industry communicate better with the state customer to ensure that the army is better equipped with locally produced weapons.

According to Kateryna Mykhalko, the Technological Forces of Ukraine are constantly involved in working groups, which helps improve recommendations for enhancing the defense-industrial complex. The company hopes that when various government bodies have identical recommendations from the industry, it will be easier to coordinate efforts and make the weapons' life cycle as smooth as possible.

Denmark's initiative boosts Ukrainian weapons manufacturing industry

Kateryna Mykhalko also shared that last year, several companies within the Technological Forces of Ukraine association received funding under Denmark's initiative, where different countries financed weapons production on Ukrainian territory. The model worked by co-financing existing contracts signed by Ukrainian customers. However, Mykhalko noted that companies are not always aware of which funding they receive. Still, she emphasized that this initiative had a positive impact on the industry.

She also added that private producers feel that state-owned enterprises enjoy several advantages in weapons production. Specifically, state-owned companies have easier access to explosives. In particular, it is much easier for state manufacturers of ammunition to operate compared to private ones. According to Mykhalko, there are specific areas that still have a legislative advantage for state enterprises. This approach requires transformation, as many initiatives are emerging in the private sector.