Ukraine likely struck Kh-555, Kh-101 missile warehouse in attack on Russia's Engels

Defense Express explains that an ammunition depot exploded near the Engels Strategic Aviation Airbase in Saratov, where Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers are stationed. Based on videos from the scene showing a powerful secondary detonation and considering the nature of the airbase, it is believed that the depot was storing Kh-101 and Kh-555 cruise missiles.

Photos and videos have emerged showing a large "mushroom" cloud from an explosion that took place around 7 a.m. today. Local authorities have confirmed the detonation, following reports of a significant Ukrainian drone attack overnight, during which 54 drones were reportedly shot down over the Saratov region.

Several OSINT communities have already pinpointed the explosion's location near the airbase. Some of them suggest it occurred at an ammunition depot, while others highlight damage to a fuel and lubricant storage facility.

It is confirmed that the explosion was a secondary detonation, which spread to nearby buildings, causing damage to dozens of structures. The video footage also shows continued explosions of small arms ammunition, likely for aircraft guns. This suggests that the target was an ammunition depot, rather than a fuel storage facility.

Another video indicates an explosive detonation around 7 a.m., which is not typical for fuel tanker fires.

All evidence now points to the detonation occurring at a strategic aviation ammunition depot. Given that strategic bombers such as the Tu-95MS and Tu-160 from the 121st and 184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiments of the Russian Federation are involved, it is likely that the target included cruise missiles of the Kh-101 and Kh-555 types.

Detailed satellite imagery reveals at least several transportation containers for cruise missiles, a number that has significantly decreased throughout the war. 

It is also possible that some of the ammunition was stored in lightweight structures designed only for weather protection, with only a portion being kept in more secure, protected facilities. The photo below illustrates all three storage types. However, it is highly unlikely that, after nearly three years of war, Russia would continue to store, equip, refuel, and keep warheads exposed to the open air.

Another possibility is that the Russians were preparing for a long-range strike, and Ukrainian forces managed to target a storage site containing cruise missiles ready for deployment. In light of the first official report of the use of the Long Neptune, which has a range of up to 1,000 kilometers, it seems plausible that such a weapon — carrying a full warhead weighing hundreds of kilograms, rather than just tens — would have been necessary for such an effective strike.