On the night of 15 October 2026, the Ukrainian Armed Forces« Naval Forces launched a missile strike on the »Borisoglebsk« military airfield in the Voronezh Oblast of Russia. According to an official statement by the Navy, the use of the »Neptune’ coastal missile system resulted in the destruction of six Russian Su-34M fighter-bombers, as well as flight support equipment. A fire and a secondary explosion were reported on the airbase grounds. Details of the full extent of the strike’s impact are still being ascertained.
- The Ukrainian Navy attacked the «Borisoglebsk» airfield in the Voronezh Region of the Russian Federation.
- The «Neptune» coastal missile system was used to carry out the strike.
- According to a statement by the Navy, six Russian Su-34Ms have been destroyed.
«Neptune» strike on the Borisoglebsk airfield: details
The Ukrainian Navy has reported that Russian military aircraft were struck at the Borisoglebsk airfield in the Voronezh region. According to the Navy’s press office, the Ukrainian military used the «Neptune» coastal missile system.
The main target of the operation was Russian aircraft, which the enemy is using to launch strikes against the positions of the Ukrainian Defence Forces and settlements near the front line.
As a result of the attack, according to the Ukrainian military, Six Su-34M fighter-bombers have been destroyed. In addition to the aircraft, technical equipment required for aviation maintenance and flight operations has also been damaged.
A major fire has broken out on the premises of a military facility. There are also reports of a secondary explosion, which may indicate that ammunition or other explosive materials have caught fire. However, the specific causes of the explosion have not been officially clarified.
Explosions and a major fire were reported in Borisoglebsk
The first reports of a missile attack on the military airfield emerged late in the evening of 14 October. Local residents spoke of a series of powerful explosions, followed by a bright glow in the area around the airbase. Videos were shared on social media showing a strong orange glow in the night sky.
Governor of the Voronezh Region Oleksandr Gusev reported a missile threat in the region. At the same time, the Russian side has not released any confirmed information regarding damage to military aircraft.
Initially, monitoring sources suggested that Ukrainian missiles had been used «Flamingo». However, the Ukrainian Navy subsequently made an official statement confirming the use of the «Neptune» system.
What capabilities do the Russian Su-34Ms have?
Su-34M — a modernised version of the Russian Su-34 two-seater supersonic fighter-bomber. These aircraft are designed to engage ground targets, in particular using guided aerial bombs and missiles.
The Russian army is making extensive use of aircraft from the Su-34 family to carry out strikes with guided bombs on Ukrainian positions, towns and villages near the front line.
The modernised version features improved communications, navigation, weapons control and electronic warfare systems.
The Navy noted that the destruction of these aircraft should reduce the Russian tactical air force’s ability to carry out strikes against Ukraine. The actual impact of the operation on the intensity of air strikes can be assessed once the losses have been confirmed.
The Borisoglebsk airfield has been attacked on several occasions
The «Borisoglebsk» military airfield is situated in the Voronezh Oblast of Russia and is used to house and maintain combat aircraft.
According to preliminary reports from the Ukrainian General Staff, Su-34, Su-35S and Su-30SM aircraft were based at this facility. The airfield had already been the target of Ukrainian strikes.
