Drone strike wipes out Tu-142MR, jeopardizing Russia's Arctic deterrence
Ukrainian drones reportedly destroyed two Russian Tu-142 long-range aircraft at Taganrog Airport, including a Tu-142MR strategic communications-relay plane that links Moscow to submerged ballistic-missile submarines. The planes were reportedly undergoing maintenance and had moved closer to the plant’s facilities before the attack. Experts say the loss represents a significant blow to Russia’s niche capability and could weaken the Northern Fleet’s nuclear deterrent and Arctic/North Atlantic operations for years, given the rarity of Tu-142MRs (only about a dozen or so remain in service).
