Russia Builds Su-57 Shelters at Key Airbase after Ukrainian Drone Strike

Protective hangars are now under active construction at the Akhtubinsk airfield in Russia’s Astrakhan region, where Su-57 fighter jets are based, according to satellite imagery recently published online.

The images show rapid progress, suggesting a renewed focus on safeguarding high-value aircraft.

The construction appears to be a direct response to a Ukrainian drone strike on the same airfield last year, which resulted in damage to one of Russia’s newest Su-57 stealth fighters. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of exposed military aircraft and has reportedly prompted Russian authorities to reinforce their airbases.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, military experts in Russia have called for the building of aircraft shelters. Several airbases have been attacked by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), leading to losses across the Russian Aerospace Forces.

One of the most damaging attacks was the Security Service of Ukraine’s (SBU) operation codenamed “Web,” in which multiple Russian strategic aviation airfields were struck. Several long-range bombers were either destroyed or heavily damaged in that campaign.

Despite such incidents, not all bases have made changes. Satellite photos released a few days ago show that bombers at Engels air base in Saratov remain parked in the open, with only car tires used for makeshift cover.

The developments at Akhtubinsk suggest a possible shift in Russian defense policy, at least for installations hosting advanced aircraft like the Su-57.