Russia is nearing completion of a large-scale project to build protected aircraft hangars at Engels-2 Airbase, home to Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers. The new structures are intended to provide the aircraft with greater protection against drone and missile strikes, Military Watch Magazine (MWM) reports.

According to the publication, satellite imagery and photographs indicate that construction is approaching its final stage. Each structure measures approximately 63 by 63 meters, providing nearly 4,000 square meters of floor space. The side walls are around seven meters high, while the structures reach a maximum height of approximately 17 meters, making them large enough to accommodate heavy strategic bombers.

The configuration of the hangars indicates that they are intended for operational use rather than simply for aircraft storage. Dedicated taxiways lead directly to the structures, allowing the bombers to taxi out of the shelters under their own power. Protective barriers behind the hangars are designed to divert exhaust from running engines.

The layout will allow Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers not only to be sheltered inside the hangars but also to undergo maintenance and pre-flight preparation there. Once ready, the aircraft will be able to taxi directly from the protected structures toward the runway.

MWM notes that Engels-2 Airbase has been one of the most important targets for Ukrainian long-range drones since the conflict began. The largest attack on the airbase took place in December 2022, when a drone strike damaged aircraft and caused casualties. Subsequent attacks failed to damage the bombers stationed there, although surrounding infrastructure was damaged.

The publication emphasizes that the construction of protected hangars is part of a broader effort to strengthen the defenses of key Russian facilities against missile and drone attacks. Russia is also expanding the deployment of air defense systems, including systems designed to counter low-flying targets.