Russia appears to have adopted a new approach to protecting its warplanes – using car tyres.
Satellite images of the Engels military airbase, deep in southern Russia, show two Tu-95 strategic bombers with tyres covering the fuselage and wings.
The airbase, more than 500 miles from the Ukrainian border, was the target of two drone attacks in December – one of which killed three Russian servicemen.
It’s unclear exactly why the tyres have been placed on the aircraft, but it’s been suggested that it is a low-budget method by Russia to protect the planes.
A NATO military official told CNN they had seen the images, but couldn’t say whether the tyres would have any effect.
Russia intercepts Ukrainian drone over Belgorod – report
Russia’s defence ministry said its air defences have intercepted a Ukrainian drone over the Belgorod region.
It’s the second reported attack on the area of southern Russia today.
Earlier, local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said one person was killed and another wounded as a result of shelling in Belgorod, which borders Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.
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