Ukrainian forces have conducted “coordinated strikes” against the Kushchyovskaya airbase in southern Russia, reducing Moscow’s ability to deploy glide bombs against Ukrainian positions, a military source has revealed.
This operation, executed overnight on Saturday, has been described as having a substantial impact on Russia’s airstrike capabilities, particularly those targeting frontline areas in Ukraine.
The source, who requested anonymity, stated that the strikes would “seriously impact” Russia’s potential to advance on the contested town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine.
Russia’s new guided bomb
The targeted airbase in Krasnodar Krai, located in the North Caucasus region, hosts a variety of aircraft, including SU-27, SU-34, and SU-35 fighter jets, which are equipped with glide bomb technology posing a serious threat to Ukrainian forces and civilians.
The exact nature of the “coordinated strikes” has not been detailed, and independent verification of these claims remains unavailable. However, the source emphasized that the degradation of the airfield would seriously hinder Russia’s ability to conduct daily airstrikes, which have been heavily targeting Ukrainian frontline positions with glide bombs.
Glide bombs have been a key element in Russia’s air campaign since early 2023, enabling aircraft to release munitions from a distance, reducing their exposure to Ukrainian air defenses. These bombs played a crucial role in the seizure of Avdiivka and are currently being used intensively in the battle for Chasiv Yar.
By targeting the Kushchyovskaya airbase, Ukraine aims to diminish the frequency and effectiveness of Russian air sorties, which typically range between 100-150 per day, with many of these missions involving the deployment of glide bombs.
The source stressed that disrupting operations at this airbase would alleviate some of the pressure on Ukrainian troops and civilians by curtailing Russia’s aerial bombing capabilities along the front lines.
