Russian authorities announced that a large-scale Ukrainian drone strike occurred overnight on March 20, 2025, at the Engels-2 airbase in Saratov Oblast, Russia.
Local residents were the first to report the incident, which was later confirmed by the Governor of Saratov Region Roman Busargin. Busargin stated on Telegram that “Saratov and Engels were subjected to the most massive UAV attack ever.”
According to the Ministry of Defense of Russia, 54 drones were intercepted over the Saratov region, and a fire erupted at the Engels Air Base.
Witnesses told local media that they heard powerful explosions at both the Engels oil refinery and the air base.
The blast at the air base was geolocated to the northwest part of the facility, where an ammunition depot is reportedly located.
An apparent large explosion at Engels-2 airfield: CCTV footage of the moment of explosion / shockwave arrival (Engels, RU, 20 MAR 2025).
POV ~ 51.48928, 46.26989Distance ~ 335/464 m (by sound/shockwave arrival delay).@GeoConfirmedMore geo details ->https://t.co/T3sVNf1pIp pic.twitter.com/5bXB8IgGWW
— D. mojavensis 🇺🇲 🇺🇦 (@Dmojavensis) March 20, 2025
Images and video footage spread on X soon after news of the strike, showing a large cloud of smoke rising from the air base area.
⚡⚡A Ukrainian UAV struck Russia’s Engels-2 Air Base in Engels, Saratov Oblast which is 1300km off Ukraine boarder !!👀 pic.twitter.com/TshfdYCUX6
— Recon & surveillance (@Mitchal01) March 20, 2025
Damage to around 30 private and dacha houses has been reported in the area. Busargin said that residents living near the Engels airfield have been evacuated due to the fire on the airfield grounds.
Additionally, operations at Kurumoch International Airport (KUF) in Samara and Saratov Gagarin Airport (GSV) have been halted due to the attack.
Engels is located over 748 kilometers (465 miles) from the Ukrainian border and serves as a key base for strategic bombers, from which Russian aircraft have conducted long-range missile strikes during war.
This air base hosts the 121st Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment, part of the long-range aviation unit of the Russian Aerospace Forces. Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers regularly conduct combat missions from this location.
