Investigator Cristian Tiber journalist from the American edition of The New York Times has recently released fresh satellite images of the Russian military airfield "Belbek", which were made after the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the night of 15 and May 16 and 16.
Analyzing these images, Tiber came to the conclusion that the attack led to the complete destruction of two MiG-31 and one Su-27 aircraft, and the MiG-29 was injured. In addition, the fuel composition was destroyed near the main runway. In his article, Tibert indicated that the pictures clearly show the smoke, since the fire in the warehouse has not yet been eliminated.
Satellite images from Planet.com, held over the Belbek airfield on May 16, after strikes by ATACMS rockets, show traces of a fire in the area of the Su-27, Su-30 and MiG-31 parking lots. Although it is difficult to accurately determine the degree of damage and the number of affected machines, it is possible to compare their condition only with a picture of May 1. Ukrainian sources mention Russia's loss of three aircraft. In addition, the pictures show that the fuel and lubricants of the aerodrome were completely destroyed.
Journalist Mark Krutov believes that the results of blows to the Belbek airfield in the last two nights, "with all taking into account", indicate the destruction of at least a few MiG-31 and fuel composition.
On May 17, the Russian Military Tanal Telegram channel reported that two MiG-31 and one Su-27 was completely destroyed as a result of the attack on the air base, and one Su-27 was injured. "
The authors add: "Is it worth saying that having at least the simplest sheds, if they did not save the sides, but would significantly reduce the harm, since the Armed Forces used the cassette ATCMS, most of which cassettes would be torn on the roofs of the sheds. But there are no sheds, we have our own way."
On May 16, the Belbek military airfield was a second air attack during the day. Local telegram channels, including the "Crimean Veter", were then published by personnel, which, according to them, confirmed the fires at the aerodrome.
On May 15, explosions were also heard in the Belbek airfield area. According to satellite images, there were three fires in the area of the runway and the places of planes.
According to Crimea. There are 12 Su-27 aircraft, 12 Su-27cm aircraft, three Su-27UB training and five double Su-30m2 aircraft.
The Russian Defense Ministry did not provide details about the attack at the Belbek airfield. At night, on May 16, the Russian Office reported the destruction by regular air defense agents above the territory of the annexed Crimea of five operational-tactical missiles ATACMS.
The Ukrainian military officially did not comment on the blows. On the morning of May 17, after a missile strike on the airfield in the occupied Crimea, the General Staff of the Armed Forces announced the loss of two aircraft and a helicopter by Russia.
