Russian Tu-95s and Tu-22M3s take flight, heading south toward launch lines. All five Tu-95s from Olenya now airborne.

Russian strategic bombers are on the move, signaling a potential escalation in military operations. Three Tu-95s have taken off from Olenya Airbase in Russia’s Murmansk region, heading south toward launch lines. Meanwhile, three Tu-22M3s have departed from Engels-2 air base, adding to the growing activity.

All five Tu-95s from Olenya are now airborne. This development follows a series of maneuvers by Russian long-range aviation, which has been shifting assets between airbases in recent weeks. Analysts suggest these movements could be part of a broader strategy to confuse intelligence tracking and prepare for missile strikes.

Olenya Airbase has been a focal point for Russian bomber operations. Satellite imagery has confirmed the presence of at least 11 Tu-95MS bombers at the base, representing a significant portion of Russia’s strategic fleet. The latest departures indicate that Moscow is actively repositioning its forces.

Engels-2 air base remains a critical hub for Russian air operations. Located 500 kilometers from Ukraine’s border, Engels-2 hosts a mix of Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers, which have been used in previous missile strikes. The departure of three Tu-22M3s suggests preparations for a new phase of operations.

Sources:

https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/forty_tu_22m3s_and_dozen_tu_95mss_reappear_at_olenya_air_base_whats_the_purpose_of_these_transfers-14679.html

https://militarnyi.com/en/news/spiderweb-operation-how-many-tu-95ms-tu-22m3-and-a-50s-destroyed-at-russian-airbases/

https://www.ssbcrack.com/2025/06/tu-95-aircrafts-destroyed-in-olenya-air-base-by-ukraine-drone-attack.html