Russia has significantly expanded protective shelters for its strategic bombers at Engels air base following Ukrainian drone attacks. Satellite images show at least 17 new shelters being built for Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers. The project began in April 2025, shortly after Ukraine successfully struck a cruise missile depot at the base.
Estimates suggest the 17 shelters could accommodate about 25 % of Russia’s operational strategic bomber fleet, including the Tu-160 and Tu-95MS. The aim is to better protect Russia’s key strategic aircraft from long‑range Ukrainian attacks, though it remains unclear how resilient the shelters will be against missile or drone strikes.