Russian Tu-134 Military Transport Aircraft Destroyed in Fire

A Russian Tu-134 military transport aircraft was destroyed in a fire at the Orenburg-2 airfield in Orenburg Oblast, according to a report by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) on October 13.

The aircraft belonged to the 117th Military Transport Aviation Regiment of the Russian Armed Forces. It was destroyed in a fire that broke out in the intervening night between October 12 and 13, Ukraine said, without directly claiming responsibility. However, the statement said, “The HUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reminds that every crime against the Ukrainian people will be duly repaid."

HUR shared footage of the fire at the airbase, located 6 km southwest of Orenburg city, which is approximately 1,250 km from the frontline in Ukraine and 90 km north of the Russia-Kazakhstan border. Although HUR did not directly claim responsibility, it stated that such Soviet-era aircraft are used to transport senior officials from Russia's Defense Ministry.

Russia has not yet commented on this incident.

Last week, Ukraine's military confirmed an operation targeting Khanskaya airfield in Adygea Republic, where dozens of Russian aircraft - more than 50 warplanes, trainers and helicopters - were reportedly stationed.

Developed in the 1960s, the Tu-134 was a narrow-body jet designed for short and medium-haul routes, known for its rear-mounted engines that reduced cabin noise. Initially seating 72 passengers, later models increased capacity to 96. Between 1966 and 1989, more than 800 Tu-134s were built, primarily used by Aeroflot. Its ability to operate from unpaved airfields made it ideal for remote areas during the Soviet era. However, due to noisy engines, it faced bans in European airports by the early 2000s. After fatal crashes in 2007 and 2011, the model was retired, with the last passenger flight in 2019. Today, a few remain in cargo or VIP transport roles.