The Russian regime has commenced the construction of fortified hangars for its heavy bomber fleet in response to Ukrainian drone strikes, including the quite recent Operation Spider’s Web. Yet, the Russian military bloggers have reacted with skepticism, with many describing the effort as insufficient and overdue.
The Russian regime is likely trying to replicate the hangars of the Iranian regime, which are built out of thick, reinforced concrete. However, bunker-busting missiles and those with larger warheads have shown evidence of penetrating such bunkers already.
One blogger, Yuri Podolyak, arguing that responsible officials should face accountability for years of negligence that have undermined national defense capabilities. He characterized the belated construction as a necessary step but questioned whether those at fault would face consequences.
Another blogger, Boris Rozhin offered a slightly different perspective, acknowledging the move as “appropriate”, which is absolutely hilarious to me. He said that distance alone no longer provides protection against mass‑produced, low‑cost long‑range munitions…
Retired air force pilot Fighterbomber expressed doubts about the shelters’ effectiveness. He assessed the structures as lightweight covers capable of shielding against weather, reconnaissance, shrapnel, and light drones with payloads up to 100 kilograms.
He warned that drones or missiles carrying larger amounts of explosives would likely penetrate them. He further emphasized that proper shelters require earth reinforcement and compaction, adding that without such measures, they remain vulnerable to drone strikes. He also reiterated calls for accountability regarding pre‑war construction failures…
We might as well see the Russian regime begin storing both bombers and fighter jets underground at some point. I don’t think that’s far off.
