Sabotage Operation Targets Russian Air Base
An overnight arson incident at the Lipetsk military airfield in southwest Russia resulted in damage to two Su-30 Flanker multirole fighters. According to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR), the operation was executed by "a representative of the resistance movement in Russia." This event follows recent drone strikes on Belbek Air Base in Crimea, showcasing diverse methods being employed against Russian military aircraft.
Details of the Attack
The GUR stated that the sabotage occurred on the night of December 20-21 at Lipetsk Air Base, targeting two advanced Su-30 aircraft. The agency explained: "Studying the patrol route and guard change schedule allowed them to infiltrate the aggressor state's military facility unnoticed, hit the Russian jets in their protective aircraft hangar, and then leave the airfield unhindered." The operation reportedly required two weeks of planning.
Video footage released by the GUR shows the interior of an Su-30SM cockpit and a fire being ignited at one of the main undercarriage legs, which spread to an engine intake. The aircraft displayed red 'Bort' numbers '12' and '82,' and one was armed with air-to-air missiles. The GUR estimates the total cost of the damaged fighters at "up to $100 million," though the extent of the damage remains unclear, with the agency only confirming the jets were "disabled."
Historical Context of Sabotage Attacks
This is not the first instance of sabotage against Russian airbases. In October 2022, explosives were detonated on helicopters at Ostrov Air Base in the Pskov region, destroying two Ka-52s and one Mi-28N. In September 2023, Chkalovsky Air Base near Moscow was targeted, resulting in three aircraft being "badly damaged." These incidents highlight ongoing security vulnerabilities at Russian military facilities.
Recent drone attacks have also targeted Russian assets. On December 18, 2025, Belbek Air Base in Crimea was struck by Ukrainian drones, hitting a MiG-31BM and elements of an S-400 air defense system. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported this was carried out by its Special Group "Alpha." Two days later, another drone strike at Belbek reportedly damaged two Su-27 fighters.
Significance of Lipetsk Air Base
Lipetsk Air Base plays a critical role in the Russian Aerospace Forces, housing the 4th State Air Personnel Preparation and Military Evaluation Center. This center is responsible for evaluating new tactical combat aircraft, training pilots, and developing air force tactics. The base hosts various aircraft, including Su-27, Su-30SM, and Su-35S fighters, as well as Su-34 bombers and Su-25 attack aircraft.
The presence of Su-30SMs 'Red 82' and 'Red 12' at Lipetsk, which belong to the 14th and 31st Fighter Aviation Regiments, suggests a forward deployment for quick reaction alert duties, possibly to counter Ukrainian long-range drones. The attack underscores that Russian military assets face threats beyond the battlefield, with saboteurs exploiting security gaps to strike even well-guarded locations.
