The Russians have concentrated a record number of bombers at the Olenya airfield: what to prepare for

An unprecedented concentration of strategic aviation has been recorded at the Russian airfield Olenya, located on the Kola Peninsula. According to the Defense Express. made public with reference to satellite images from the AviVector resource, as of 26 May 2025, the airfield was home to:

• 40 Tu-22M3 bombers,

• 11 Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers, which is about 20% of the total available fleet of this type of aircraft,

• 5 An-12 transports.

• 8 Il-76

Mass transport of Kh-101 missiles is also reported.

Return from the base "Belaya"

Experts note that just a fortnight ago, a similar number of Tu-22M3s (42 aircraft) were at the Belaya airbase in Siberia. Thus, in a short time Russia has transferred back to the north almost the entire fleet, which looks paradoxical against the background of the rare use of these machines for strikes on Ukraine in 2025.

With no more than 60 Tu-22M3s in the Russian Air Force, the concentration of 40 of them at a single base is highly unusual," analysts at Defence Express stressed.

Engels airfield: change of deployment after the strike

Another object of observation was the Engels airfield. Satellite images from 25 May show:

• 6 Tu-95MS,

• 3 Tu-160,

• 4 Su-34s.

And the next day - 26 May - the number of aircraft was significantly reduced: 3 Tu-95MS and Tu-160 each, as well as 2 Su-34s. On the same day, after a massive missile strike on the territory of Ukraine, on "Engels" returned 7 Tu-95MS, and one aircraft of this type went to "Olenya".

Tactics of manoeuvres and disorientation

Analysts suggest that Russia deliberately moves strategic aviation between bases to hamper the intelligence work of Ukraine and allied countries. The frequent flights between Belaya, Engels and Olenya may be part of a tactic to conceal preparations for missile attacks.

However, such actions lead to increased wear and tear on the aircraft, especially given the limited engine and maintenance life of the Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3 and Tu-160 types.

Russia is deliberately overspending the resource of strategic bombers for the sake of disinformation," the analysts conclude.

Thus, the situation at Russian airfields may indicate not only preparations for potential missile strikes, but also attempts to conceal the real combat-ready potential of strategic aviation.