Russia complains about explosions near Ryazan airbase
Dyagilevo airbase in Ryazan (Archive photo: Alex Beltyukov / russianplanes.net)
Explosions were reported near the Dyagilevo military airbase on the outskirts of Ryazan, Russia, during the night of December 4. Air defense systems were active in the region, according to the Russian outlet Astra.
Residents reported hearing explosions near the Dyagilevo airbase around 4 a.m., according to Russian media.
There were also reports of sounds resembling drones and the activity of air defense systems in the area.
By early morning, a video showing an explosion near Ryazan surfaced online.
However, there have been no official statements from local authorities regarding the situation in Ryazan and its surroundings.
Background: According to open sources, Dyagilevo air base hosts the 43rd Center for Combat Training and Pilot Conversion (CBTPC), equipped with Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, Tu-134UBL, and An-26 aircraft.
Additionally, the airfield houses the 203rd Independent Air Refueling Regiment, operating Il-78 tanker aircraft. Nearby, the 360th Aviation Repair Plant is also located near the base.
Notably, Ryazan is situated approximately 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Dyagilevo air base in Rostov region on the map (photo: screenshot from wikipedia.org)
Attacks on Dyagilevo air base
In December 2022, explosions at Dyagilevo air base damaged a strategic Tu-95MS bomber and a long-range Tu-22M3 bomber. A refueling truck was also hit, resulting in casualties and injuries among Russian military personnel.
The Russian government attributed the incident to an attack by Ukrainian drones.
According to Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, the December 5, 2022, attack on Dyagilevo was carried out using Tu-141 Strizh drones, rigged with explosives.
More recently, on the night of July 27 this year, further explosions were reported at the airfield amid claims of another drone strike.
