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Ukrainian missile strikes airbase utilized by Russian strategic bombers 400 miles behind the entrance line

A Ukrainian missile struck an airbase used by Russian strategic bombers 400 miles behind the front line yesterday, in one of the longest-range strikes of the conflict.

The Neptune cruise missile strike caused a fireball and huge explosions as Russian heavy ordnance ‘cooked off’.

The blast was apparently so forceful it ripped roofs from houses in civilian areas surrounding the Engels-2 airbase in Saratov Oblast.

A huge billowing cloud lingered over the base for hours and was visible for 20 miles.

It was unclear last night whether any of the Russian Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers based at Engels were wrecked – but the missiles they carry were destroyed.

The attack represents a major success for Ukraine as its recently upgraded Neptune missile system evaded Russian air defence systems – most likely due to a sophisticated radar jamming operation before the cruise missile was launched.

A Ukrainian subsonic cruise missile R-360 Neptune was launched towards a Russian airbase

A Ukrainian subsonic cruise missile R-360 Neptune was launched towards a Russian airbase

Engels-2 airbase, home to Russia's nuclear bombers, was rocked by massive explosion

Engels-2 airbase, home to Russia’s nuclear bombers, was rocked by massive explosion 

The strike was Ukraine's Ukraine's biggest drone strike on the Saratov region in Russia

The strike was Ukraine’s Ukraine’s biggest drone strike on the Saratov region in Russia