Satellite images of Russian airfield in annexed Crimea show fighter jets painted on tarmac

Satellite images of Russia’s Belbek airfield in annexed Sevastopol published on October 26 show two-dimensional “fighter jets” that have been painted on the tarmac, according to OSINT analyst MT Anderson.

Anderson identified several aircraft in the pictures, including Su-27/30/34 fighter jets and four Mig-31 supersonic interceptor jets. He also spotted four additional painted-on silhouettes of Mig-31 that are clearly distinguishable from the real aircraft because they lack shadows.

In early October, satellite photos showed painted-on Tu-95 bomber aircraft at Engels air base in Russia’s Saratov region. The outlet The War Zone reported that the paintings were likely intended to impede Ukrainian efforts to launch attacks on Russian equipment.