Satellite images released after an attack carried out by Ukraine have confirmed the destruction of two Tu-142 aircraft at the Taganrog Yuzhny airfield, located in Russia’s Rostov region.
According to analyses published after the operation, the targets hit were a Tu-142MR, used for strategic communications, and a Tu-142MK, specialized in anti-submarine missions.
The two aircraft were not in active service and had been stored for years. Even so, specialists note that the loss represents a reduction in Russia’s stock of specialized aircraft, especially in a category of platforms that is not currently produced on a large scale.
The images also showed that another Tu-142MR remained intact at the site. In addition, an A-50U and the Beriev A-100 prototype remain parked at the airfield. These early warning aircraft had already been damaged in previous attacks and continue to be monitored by military analysts.
Derived from the Tu-95 strategic bomber, the Tu-142 was developed for long-range maritime operations. While the MR variant performs communication functions with strategic submarines equipped with ballistic missiles, the MK version is designed for submarine detection and combat. According to previous information, the two destroyed aircraft had been stored since 2011.
🔻 Satellite images of 🇷🇺 Taganrog Yuzhny Airport as of June 1, 12:23 UTC The airport housed 2 decommissioned Tu-142MR (Bear-J) and 2 destroyed Tu-142MK/MR. On May 30, the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces destroyed one Tu-142MK (Black 71) and one Tu-142MR. These Tu-142 were… pic.twitter.com/qODVfJ3wqz
— AviVector (@avivector) June 2, 2026
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @avivector / X @UAC_Russia_eng / Wikimedia | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
