Strange movements of Russian aircraft increasing: What could it mean?

According to Defense Express, unusual aircraft movements at Russia’s Engels airbase continue to raise questions. Recent reports suggest that even Su-35s fighters are now stationed there alongside strategic bombers like the Tu-95ms and Tu-160. Here's what we know so far.

At the end of December 2024, the presence of Su-34 tactical bombers at Engels, a key airbase for Russia's strategic aviation, was reported. This was unusual, but it didn’t stop there. Soon after, Su-25 attack aircraft were also identified at the base, an even more unexpected development given the distance of Engels from the frontlines and its strategic purpose.  

Now, new footage from the Tracking community shows that Su-35S fighters are also being deployed to Engels. One video allegedly captured a Su-35s patrolling near the base on January 27, 2025. These fighters are reportedly escorting Tu-95Ms and Tu-160 bombers during training flights over Russia's Saratov region. Satellite images from December 7, 2024, reveal that at least two Su-35s fighters, eight Su-25 attack aircraft, and around 10 Su-34 bombers were already stationed at Engels at that time.  

Between December 2024 and January 2025, the growing presence of tactical aviation at a strategic airbase remains puzzling. One possible hypothesis is that Engels was being used as a transit hub for moving tactical aircraft like the Su-25, Su-34, and Su-35s.

However, the situation became more pressing in January 2025, after two strikes targeted the Kristal oil depot near Engels, which supplies fuel for Tu-95ms and Tu-160 bombers. It’s believed that Russia's military decided to deploy Su-35s fighters to provide air defense for the base after these attacks.  

Notably, Ukraine’s Defense Forces carried out drone strikes on the Kristal depot on January 8 and 14, 2025. Despite the presence of Su-35s fighters, these attacks were successful, raising questions about the effectiveness of Russia's air defense measures at Engels.

While the exact purpose of stationing Su-35s and other tactical aircraft at this strategic airbase remains unclear, these developments highlight potential vulnerabilities and strategic shifts in Russia's use of Engels.

• Russia has lost almost 20 aircraft, with Su-34s being the main victims. But there are also some interesting specimens among the downed “birds,” such as the A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft or the newer generation Sukhoi Su-35