The Ukrainian forces conducted an attack on an air base deep in Russia this week. New satellite imagery reveals significant damage at the Air Force Base at Engels-2.
New satellite images obtained by Business Insider show damage at major air force bases deep in Russia after the Ukraine attacks earlier in the week.
Ukrainian forces said Thursday that its forces attacked Engels-2 airfield in Russia’s Saratov region overnight. It added that fire, explosions and secondary explosions of ammunition were observed right near the base.
Maxar, a US commercial satellite imaging company, collected photos on Friday to reveal the aftermath of the attack. The strike damaged ammunition and weapons storage area, and the explosion said it had knocked down buildings and bunkers.
View of the Engels Air-based ammunition depot in early December. Satellite Image ©2025 Maxar Technologies
Ammunition depot after the attack on March 21st. Satellite Image ©2025 Maxar Technologies
The Russian air base is located hundreds of miles from the frontline and is home to aircraft for TU-95 and TU-160 bomber. Ukraine attacked the airfield several times during the war. This was the third attack of the year. Kiev took two strikes against Engels in January.
Kiev’s military said Russia would use Engels Air Force Base to launch aircraft carrying out missile strikes against targets on Ukrainian territory, including civilian targets.
A meticulous view of the crater and the destroyed bunker after the attack at Engels on March 21. Satellite Image ©2025 Maxar Technologies
The Russian governor of the Saratov region wrote on the telegram messaging platform that the region suffered “the largest UAV attack ever” after an overnight strike.
Russia has taken extensive steps to protect Engels’ aircraft after the attacks at previous bases. This includes placing tires on bombers to protect them from Ukrainian missiles and drones. Russia also moved some of its bombers further east.
Strikes at Ukrainian bases and other transnational targets highlight a major campaign to threaten and degrade Russian military infrastructure, hundreds of miles from the frontline.
This week’s attack on the base came amid a bigger barrage of barrages. Russia’s Ministry of Defense said Thursday that 134 drones were engaged and shot down overnight in several regions.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to fire Ukraine. According to Ukrainian President Voldy Mie Zelensky, Moscow fired more than 200 drones and missiles in Ukraine on Wednesday overnight.
Russia and Ukraine are debating a limited ceasefire, with the US acting as a mediator. Last week, Kyiv signaled openness to a 30-day ceasefire, but Moscow continues its missile barrage on Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure. However, it appears that both countries have agreed to reduce attacks on energy facilities.
