Ukraine strikes Russian airfield, destroys MiG-31K and 'Kinzhal' missiles amid massive air defense success

Ukraine Strikes Deep, Neutralizes Key Russian Air Assets and Intercepts Barrage

In a significant and bold move, Ukrainian forces have successfully targeted the Savasleyka airfield in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region, a critical hub for long-range aerial attacks. This operation, carried out by Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (SSO AFU) in conjunction with other units on the night of June 9th, marks a substantial blow to Russia's strategic aviation capabilities.

Dismantling the MiG-31K Threat

The Savasleyka airfield is particularly infamous as the launchpad for MiG-31K fighter jets, the formidable carriers of the hypersonic 'Kinzhal' ballistic missiles. These aircraft are frequently responsible for the air raid sirens that echo across Ukraine, signaling impending missile strikes. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed that one such vital MiG-31K was neutralized during the Savasleyka operation, significantly reducing the immediate threat posed by these high-velocity weapons. Initial reports also indicate the damage of a Su-30/34 aircraft, though information is still being verified. The strategic importance of this strike is amplified by the airfield's location, situated a considerable 660 kilometers from Ukraine's borders, underscoring the reach and precision of the Ukrainian assault.

Repelling a Massive Aerial Onslaught

The offensive against the Savasleyka airfield coincided with an unprecedented and overwhelming aerial attack launched by Russia against Ukraine. Ukrainian air defense forces demonstrated remarkable resilience and effectiveness, intercepting a staggering 499 aerial targets. This colossal barrage included 479 'Shahed' drones, designed to saturate and overwhelm air defenses, along with four Kh-47M2 'Kinzhal' hypersonic missiles, ten Kh-101 cruise missiles, three Kh-22 cruise missiles, two Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles, and one Kh-35 cruise missile. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that an astonishing 479 of these incoming threats were neutralized. This remarkable figure comprises 292 targets directly destroyed by defensive fire and an additional 187 that were lost or disabled, likely due to electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures and other factors. Remarkably, the vast majority of these attacks failed to achieve their intended objectives.

Kinzhal Missiles Thwarted, 'Shaheds' Grounded

The 'Kinzhal' missiles launched by Russia during the night's assault, which were reportedly aimed at Dubno, were all four intercepted and destroyed. Similarly, all ten Kh-101 cruise missiles and the majority of other incoming munitions met a similar fate. While the report from the Air Force Command of the UA Armed Forces suggests that 277 'Shahed' drones were shot down and 183 were lost or affected by EW, the overall success in preventing widespread destruction is a testament to the advanced capabilities and coordinated efforts of Ukraine's air defense network. Despite the sheer scale of the attack, Ukrainian officials noted that impacts occurred in only 10 locations, with debris falling in 17 areas, a minimal outcome given the hundreds of projectiles launched. This successful defense against such a massive and complex attack is being hailed as an outstanding achievement, a clear indicator of Ukraine's bolstered air defense posture.