The Russian Air Force is testing some solutions to shield its aircraft from attacks by Ukrainian drones while they are stationed on flight lines. CNN revealed the news via satellite photos from Maxar Technologies. In the images you can see Russian four-engine planes (Tu-95) protected in the most sensitive parts - wings and fuselage - by a network of tires. The planes taken over by Maxar are Tu-95 strategic bombers operating at Engels air base in southwestern Russia.
American experts argue that the protection could work even if it is necessary to evaluate, proportionately, the power of the missile's warhead or the type of drone. The tires are supposed to protect planes from small fragments following the explosion of a small kamikaze drone.
The CNN website reports the opinion of a technician from the drone manufacturer One Way Aerospace (those used by the Ukrainian military): “The Initiative may have a limited effect. It could reduce the thermal impact on exposed strategic vehicles positioned on airport aprons, which will still be observable by infrared cameras".
A NATO military official told CNN on condition of anonymity that the alliance is aware of the tire issue. “We believe the idea is to protect planes from drones, but we don't know if it will have any effect”.
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