Ukraine Destroyed Eight Russian Strategic Bombers
The SBU utilized long-range drones in July 2026 to target Russian Tu-95MS bombers stationed at Engels Air Base.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Military
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In July 2026, Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone strike against Russia's strategic bomber fleet at the Engels Air Base. The operation resulted in the destruction of eight Tu-95MS aircraft, following a similar loss of eight bombers during Operation Spiderweb in June 2025.
Why it matters
The loss of these aircraft is critical because Russia lacks the ability to replace them, as production of the Tu-95 ceased in 1992 and the country lacks suitable storage facilities for fleet maintenance. This depletion impacts Russia's long-range strike capabilities as the ongoing war continues.
Ukraine has destroyed at least eight Tu-95MS bombers and damaged three others, representing roughly 18% of Russia's pre-February 2022 fleet of 58. The SBU drones involved in the July strikes traveled approximately 800 kilometers to hit their targets.
The players
SBU
The Security Service of Ukraine is the primary national security and intelligence agency responsible for counter-intelligence and anti-terrorism operations.
Tupolev
This Russian aerospace and defense company is responsible for the design and manufacture of the Tu-95 strategic bomber series.
The details
The SBU utilized long-range drones to strike the aircraft, causing the complete removal of the tail sections of the targeted bombers. Russia has struggled to maintain its remaining inventory due to a lack of funds and the absence of a dry desert environment similar to the US boneyard in Arizona.
Timeline
1952: Tupolev built the first Tu-95 aircraft.
1992: Tupolev officially stopped all production of the Tu-95 bombers.
February 2022: Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
June 2025: Ukraine destroyed eight bombers during Operation Spiderweb.
July 2026: SBU drones struck bombers at Engels Air Base.
Political Context
The July 2026 strikes follow a pattern of destruction established by Operation Spiderweb. Russian officials have consistently downplayed the strategic impact of these losses, claiming existing air defense measures are sufficient to protect high-value assets.
The continued degradation of Russian strategic assets may result in shifts in long-range missile deployment patterns during the conflict. These losses force a reallocation of military resources that impacts the broader geopolitical security environment.
The takeaway
The inability to replace retired aircraft technology highlights the risks of aging military hardware in modern high-intensity conflicts. Long-term maintenance and supply chain integrity remain vital factors in the longevity of any nation's strategic bomber force.
Further reading
For more on the evolving tactics of the conflict, visit the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The National Interest.
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