Ukraine destroys Russia’s Dzhankoi helicopter base air defenses, enabling further deep strikes on occupied Crimea

Early on 17 March, the Ukrainian armed forces have carried out a successful strike on a Russian helicopter base in Dzhankoi, occupied Crimea, reportedly destroying multiple air defense systems, including four launchers of the long-range S-400 “Triumf” surface-to-air missile system, three radar stations, an air defense control center, and a airspace surveillance system.

The attack is believed to have significantly decreased the Russian combat potential in the area and could pave the way for further Ukrainian operations in Crimea.

Here is what we know about the April 17 Dzhankoi airfield strike.

Initial reports on the Dzhankoi attack

Overnight on 17 April, explosions were heard in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Russian sources reported explosions and air defense activity, followed by a fire in the city of Dzhankoi near the military airfield, hosting Russia’s 39th Helicopter Regiment, which operates military helicopters including the Mi-8, Mi-35M, Mi-28, and Ka-52, and may also accommodate the helicopters of Russia’s FSB Border Service.

Multiple videos of the fires in the area of the helicopter base started circulating on social media. The first video in our tweet clearly shows secondary detonations within the blaze, suggesting the presence of explosive materials within the intense conflagration zone

Massive explosion reported overnight into 17 April at Dzhankoi airbase in Russian-occupied Crimea.

The airfield hosts the 39th Helicopter Regiment with 3 aviation squadrons as part of Russia's 27th Aviation Division.

Tags: