Russian milbloggers complain after strike on Saki airfield, admit lack of shelter

Russia's lament highlights the significant impact of the strike on the Russian airbase, which houses the 43rd Separate Naval Assault Regiment with Su-24M and Su-30SM aircraft, Defense Express reports.

The Russian milblogger Fighterbomber noted that the airfield services now require at least two armored vehicles to evacuate the wounded under dangerous conditions, where ammunition might be exploding. This detail adds insight into the severity of the strike.

Additionally, Fighterbomber mentioned that the delay between reconnaissance and strike by the Ukrainian Defense Forces has decreased to six hours, necessitating the movement of aircraft every five hours or relocating them out of missile range. Despite this, systematic successful attacks by Ukraine with long-range drones pose a continued threat to Russian aircraft.

Amidst these operational challenges, Russia faces a significant issue: it lacks reinforced concrete arched shelter structures for aircraft like the Su-27, Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35, a problem persisting since the 1980s. 

Photo: Su-34 with a wingspan of 14.7 meters against the background of the 2A13 shelter with a width of 13 meters: Defense Express

Moreover, reports indicate that tourists are taken to a beach camping site through the airbase territory near Saki, compromising secrecy. This situation underscores the juxtaposition of military facilities with tourist sites, a standard occurrence that further complicates security measures.