 The Kremlin has started using a bizarre method to stop its nuclear bombers from being attacked by Ukraine's drones. Satellite images show a number of Tu-95 strike aircraft at Engels-2 Air Base in the Saratov region of Russia covered in car tyres. The base was hit by Ukrainian drones twice in December – forcing Putin to move some of the bombers to other bases. The planes are a key part of his nuclear strike force, but so far have been used to attack Ukraine with conventional weapons. A report by the Aviationist said: 'While the reason for covering the wings and part of the upper fuselage in this way is not completely clear, the most likely theory is that the car tyres are used to protect the valuable bombers from attacks carried out with kamikaze drones.' The Kremlin may be using the tyres to absorb the impact of drones, or to protect the planes' fuel tanks. But the Aviationist questions the effectiveness of the tyre strategy, as they don't fully cover the wings and body so drones could still inflict damage. The report adds: 'The drone could be guided to detonate below the surface of the wing and still cause the total loss of the aircraft. The Tu-95 bombers are being used with conventional weapons (Picture: AP) It's thought Russia is trying to protect its bombers (Picture: Tatarigami_UA/east2west news) 'Last but not least, tyres are flammable although they need a high temperature to burn. 'However, when you store plenty of tyres in the same place and conditions for combustion are present, they can become a hazard. 'When tyres catch fire, they burn with intense heat and produce noxious smoke.' Earlier this year Ukraine reported two strikes on Russian war planes. In one, in Pskov, four Il-76 transporters were put out of action, with two aircraft beyond repair after being engulfed in flames. Separately, Kyiv claimed to have damaged four Su-30 fighter jets, one MiG-29 fighter jet, two Pantsir-){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The Kremlin has started using a bizarre method to stop its nuclear bombers from being attacked by Ukraine’s drones.
Satellite images show a number of Tu-95 strike aircraft at Engels-2 Air Base in the Saratov region of Russia covered in car tyres.
The base was hit by Ukrainian drones twice in December – forcing Putin to move some of the bombers to other bases.
The planes are a key part of his nuclear strike force, but so far have been used to attack Ukraine with conventional weapons.