In a notable escalation of its counter-offensive tactics, Ukraine launched a significant attack on Russia’s Morozovsk military air base situated in the Rostov region, resulting in the destruction of six Russian warplanes.
This strategic strike, as disclosed by a source from Kyiv’s intelligence to Reuters, was a collaborative effort between Ukraine’s SBU security service and its military forces.
The specifics of the operation’s execution remain undisclosed, yet it was revealed that an additional eight aircraft suffered damages during the attack.
The authenticity of these claims has not been independently verified by Reuters, and the method of attack remains unspecified.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry reported through RIA news agency that its air defenses intercepted 53 Ukrainian drones overnight, with a majority being in the Rostov area, highlighting the intensifying aerial confrontations between the two nations.
The targeted Morozovsk airbase is known for housing Russian tactical bombers, specifically the Sukhoi Su-24 and Su-24M models, which have been actively used by Moscow to launch guided bomb attacks against Ukrainian military positions and civilian areas along the frontline.
However, it was later clarified that the aircraft deployed from the base at the time of the attack were Su-27 and Su-34 models.
This operation marks a significant tactical achievement for Ukraine, according to the intelligence source.
In the broader context of the conflict, Ukraine has been increasingly utilizing drone strikes against Russian targets, with a particular focus on oil refineries.
This strategy aims at undermining Russia’s oil revenues, a critical economic pillar.
A senior Ukrainian government official has indicated that there are plans to significantly ramp up the production of long-range drones in 2024.
This ambition forms part of a priority defense initiative as Ukraine seeks innovative ways to retaliate against Russian aggression, especially given the challenges in procuring long-range missiles and the limitations in accessing Western-made weaponry.
Amidst this backdrop, Kyiv is pivoting towards enhancing its capabilities in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), striving to counterbalance Russia’s extensive use of missile and drone technology in the conflict.