An attempted drone strike occurred at Russia’s Chkalovsky air base located northeast of Moscow late Sunday night. The Astra Telegram channel, run by independent Russian journalists, reported that several drones were intercepted and shot down near the base, about 19 miles from the capital.
Local residents captured video footage depicting explosions, as sounds of gunfire and alarms were reported from nearby Shchyolkovo. According to pro-war Telegram channels, the attack on the airfield was successfully thwarted.
⚡️⚡️Russian “Z-bloggers” report a drone attack on Chkalovsky military airfield in Moscow region.
No official information as of now. pic.twitter.com/dIwdyp5imZ
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 11, 2024
The area sounded sirens, and reports indicated that Russian air defense systems were activated. Targeting air bases has become a pattern for Ukraine throughout the ongoing conflict, which began in February 2022. Ukrainian officials assert that military installations on Russian soil are valid targets, often using long-range drones for these strikes.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) typically claim responsibility for such attacks. The GUR noted that Chkalovsky base houses critical Russian aircraft, including government and specialized reconnaissance types. Previously, in September 2023, the GUR claimed that unidentified saboteurs detonated explosives at the airfield, damaging an Antonov AN-148, an Ilyushin IL-20 reconnaissance aircraft, and a Mil MI-28N helicopter, leading to an investigation by Russia’s Investigative Committee.
Aside from Chkalovsky, earlier this month, Ukrainian forces also targeted the Morozovsk military air base, resulting in the destruction of a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber and munitions. This attack, which occurred far behind the front lines, symbolized the ongoing challenges faced by Russian military capabilities.
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