Reference Message Network reported on June 11 that according to a report by the German News Channel website on June 8, it was reported that in response to the "Spider Web" operation launched by Ukraine's intelligence agencies, Russia has dispersed its strategically important bombers to multiple locations.
The "Defense Express" website reported that one of the Tu-160 bombers is said to have been transferred from the Belaya Airbase, located about 85 kilometers northwest of Irkutsk, a city in Siberia, to an airbase near the Ugolynoye Airport. This base is located near Anadyr, the capital of the sparsely populated Chukotka Autonomous Okrug in northeastern Russia, and is more than 6,700 kilometers away from Ukraine.
A week ago, Ukraine claimed that the "Spider Web" operation successfully destroyed or severely damaged several Russian long-range bombers parked at the Belaya Airbase. The base is more than 4,300 kilometers away from the front line.
According to the "Defense Express" website, Russia is currently trying to "hide its truly valuable bombers in this way to prevent further attacks from Ukrainian drones." The transferred Tu-160 heavy strategic bomber can carry nuclear weapons. Satellite photos released by AviViktor show that two Tu-160 bombers were also transferred from the Engels Airbase in Saratov Oblast to this remote airbase.
The "Defense Express" website reported that the uniqueness of the Anadyr Airbase lies in the fact that it is not connected by road, so heavy trucks carrying drones cannot reach there. Ukrainian experts believe that it is unlikely that Russia will send Tu-160 bombers from this base to launch airstrikes against Ukraine; therefore, the only reason for the transfer is self-preservation.
Western aviation experts believe that it will take Russia many years to replace the strategic bombers damaged by Ukrainian drones. However, Major General Christian Froeding believes that although Russia's strategic bomber fleet has suffered significant damage, the airstrikes on Ukraine will not immediately weaken. Froeding stated that Moscow still retains 90% of its original strategic bombers. (Compiled/translated by Wang Qin)
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514563108451500559/
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