At least 30 explosions reported at Russian airbase and weapons-testing site 650 km from front line after Ukrainian strike

Ukrainian forces launched a strike against a Russian airbase and weapons-testing site located 650 kilometers from the front line in the early hours of November 15, according to Ukraine's General Staff. The assault targeted two key facilities in Russia's Astrakhan and Oryol Oblasts that support the country's military aircraft and drone operations against Ukraine.

The Ukrainian attack resulted in multiple explosions, including a powerful secondary detonation at a storage facility housing guided missile kits at the Akhtubinsk airfield. The airfield houses Russia's 929th State Flight Test Center, a crucial facility for testing new military aircraft and weapons systems before deployment. Ukrainian Su-34 fighter-bombers are stationed at the airfield and regularly launch guided bombs against Ukrainian cities and military positions.

The Ukrainian strike also hit a PRV-13 mobile radio altimeter at the airfield, a vital radar system used to determine the altitude and location of airborne targets. Other reported targets included airfield infrastructure, parking areas for combat aircraft, ammunition depots, and other facilities. Ukrainian OSINT monitoring group Exilenova+ reported at least 30 explosions during the attack, highlighting the significant damage inflicted on Russian military infrastructure.

The Ukrainian government vowed to continue striking key Russian military facilities until Russia ends its armed aggression against Ukraine.