Ukraine-Russia strategic aviation strikes

In July 2026, satellite imagery confirmed that a Ukrainian long-range drone strike on July 17 destroyed a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber at the Engels-2 airbase in the Saratov region. The attack, occurring approximately 800 km from the Ukrainian border, severed the aircraft’s tail section. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) stated the strike was intended to diminish Russia’s military and economic capabilities, noting the damage was beyond repair and would prevent the bomber from launching cruise missiles.

Subsequent reports identified the weapon used as a Ukrainian-made MICH 2000 long-range drone. The drone, which reportedly costs approximately $48,000, was developed by reverse-engineering the Chinese ZTK-150. Ukrainian developers allegedly used covert intelligence tactics during pilot training in late 2023 to photograph production lines after being denied technology purchases. The MICH 2000 features a 2,000 km range, a 60 kg warhead, and is composed of 85% localized components. The drone was produced specifically for the SBU’s ‘Alpha’ special operations center.