Russia is moving the “Il-76” military transport planes stationed in Pskov to the 2,700 km distant Khanty-Mansi region because of concerns about possible Ukrainian air attacks, the Estonian newspaper “Louna-Eesti Postimees” reports.
Il-76 transport planes at Pskov airfield were attacked by Ukrainian drones on August 29 of last year, as a result of which four planes were destroyed and several others were damaged.
Since the attacks of Ukrainian drones on Russian targets have intensified, the Russian Air Force has decided to move transport planes from Pskov to a safer place – to Siberia, “Louna-Eesti Postimees” reported.
In the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region of Siberia – Yugra, a week ago in Nizhnevartovsk city “Telegram” channel it was announced that the transport planes from Pskov will be transferred to Nizhnevartovsk.
Representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the local governor discussed in detail the relocation of aircraft and air force personnel, including the living conditions of military personnel’s families in the new location.
Nizhnevartovska is located 2700 kilometers from Pskov. Preliminary information indicates that approximately ten Il-76 military transport aircraft will be transferred from Pskov to the Khanty-Mansi region for permanent deployment. The possibility of equipping the local airport with air defense systems was also discussed.
Together with the planes, military personnel and their family members will be transferred – up to 1,500 people in total. Local authorities will have to find housing for soldiers’ families in the new location and provide other necessary services.
The Nizhnevartovsk airport is said to be ready to serve large transport planes and it is easier to guarantee safety there than in Pskov.
Tags: Russia fearing Ukrainian attack moves warplanes Pskov Siberia
