In the early hours of August 6, 2023, a significant event shook the geopolitical landscape: Russia launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine's Starokonstantinov Air Base. This strike follows a series of escalating actions between the two countries, contributing to the ongoing tensions in the region. This blog delves into the details of the attack, its implications, and the broader context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict

The Target: Starokonstantinov Air Base

The Starokonstantinov Air Base, nestled near Starokostiantyniv in Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Ukraine, is home to the 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade, operating Sukhoi Su-24M and Su-24MR aircraft. Of particular significance are the Su-24MR planes, which serve as launch platforms for British Storm Shadow and French Scalp long-range cruise missiles. These missiles have been utilized by Ukraine to strike back at Russia periodically, causing significant disruption.

Escalating Actions: The Maritime Kamikaze Drone Strike

The backdrop of the attack includes a maritime kamikaze drone strike on a civilian oil tanker, which occurred on the night of August 5. This drone was laden with explosives equivalent to 450 kg of TNT and targeted the tanker's engine room near the Kerch Bridge. While the ship was successfully towed to safety and the crew emerged unscathed, the incident heightened tensions between the two nations.

The Russian Attack: A Multi-Wave Strategy

The Russian attack on the Starokonstantinov Air Base was executed in a multi-wave strategy, showcasing their sophisticated military capabilities:

1. First Wave: The initial wave involved cruise missiles launched from Tu-95MS bombers and ballistic missiles.

2. Second Wave: This wave included cruise missiles and Geran-2 drones, demonstrating a mix of traditional and unmanned weaponry.

3. Final Wave: The last wave incorporated Kh-101 long-range stealth cruise missiles, highlighting Russia's use of advanced technology.

The attack was marked by the use of deceptive routes to avoid Ukrainian air defense systems, a tactic often employed by Russia. This strategy helps in identifying and targeting these systems for subsequent strikes.

Target Analysis and Russia's Motive

The impact of the attack suggests that Russia aimed to incapacitate maintenance support facilities, missile stocks, and the Su-24MR launch platforms at the Starokonstantinov Air Base. Notably, Russia is well aware of the destructive potential of Storm Shadow and Scalp missiles, which Ukraine uses effectively against them. Hence, the air base has repeatedly faced Russian strikes aimed at neutralizing these capabilities.

A History of Escalation

The recent attack on August 6 was not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of escalating actions:

• July 26 Attack: Russia targeted the Starokonstantinov Air Base with cruise and Kinzhal missiles, followed by Geran-2 kamikaze drone attacks.
• June 23 Attack: Russian Aerospace Forces launched precision strikes on the air base, targeting foreign-made hardware and weapons depots.
• May 29 Attack: This earlier strike saw multiple aircraft and fuel & ammunition depots being taken out of action, and the runway sustaining significant damage.

Implications and Ongoing Tensions

The attack on the Starokonstantinov Air Base underscores the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the fragility of the region's peace. The use of advanced weaponry, strategic planning, and a history of targeted attacks highlight the depth of the conflict. The implications of this attack, as well as the broader implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, continue to shape the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.