Russian forces have begun using car tires to cover their planes, and experts say this could be a handmade measure to protect the aircraft from Ukrainian drone strikes.
Satellite images of Engels Air Base deep inside Russia show two Tu-95 strategic bombers covered in car tires.
CNN has not been able to verify why the tires were placed on the plane, but experts say it could have been a crude measure to not only add a layer of protection from Ukrainian drones, but also reduce the ability to detect them, especially at night.
Francisco Serra-Martins, head of UAV manufacturer One Way Aerospace, which is used by Ukraine, said this measure could be partially effective, helping to minimize damage to Russian aircraft when attacked by UAVs.
“Old tires can reduce the heat signature of strategic bombers parked on the airfield. However, UAVs equipped with infrared cameras can still observe them,” Serra-Martins said.
Satellite image from Maxar Technologies.
Steffan Watkins, an expert on warships and aircraft based on open-source intelligence data, said Russian forces are “trying to add additional protection to aircraft parked at the base. Whether this works depends on the warhead of the missile or drone.” Mr. Watkins said tires could prevent fragments from a UAV explosion from penetrating the fuselage.
A NATO military official said the alliance had been informed of the manual action. The official asked to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
“We believe this measure was taken to protect the aircraft from drones. We do not yet know how effective it is,” the official said.
Satellite image from Maxar Technologies.
Nguyen Quang Minh (according to CNN)
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