Russia has deployed more than 40 military aircraft at the Olenya airbase in the Murmansk region, as confirmed by satellite images from March 11, 2025. This was reported by military expert Boyko Nikolov in an article for Bulgarian Military.
According to analysts' estimates, the base houses 10 Tu-95MS strategic bombers, 35 Tu-22M3 long-range bombers, 5 An-12 military transport aircraft, 3 Tu-134UBL training aircraft, and 4 Mi-8 helicopters.
In May 2023, satellites detected a cluster of aircraft at the Olenya airbase, including 14 Tu-95MS bombers, two Tu-160 bombers, and two Tu-22M3 bombers, as well as transport aircraft and helicopters.
The author pointed out that the proximity of the Russian base to the borders of NATO countries is a «critical factor».
During the Cold War, the alliance's border ran along Norway. After Finland joined NATO, the border became closer.
Professor Katarzyna Zysk of the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies suggested that the increase in the number of aircraft in the Murmansk region is related to routine maintenance or redeployment. At the same time, the expert pointed out that the Russian airbase is only 150 kilometers from Finland and 200 kilometers from Norway.
The Pentagon did not directly comment on the satellite images showing Russian aircraft. However, a representative of the American agency stressed that the United States is «closely monitoring the actions of the Russian military».
Read more on the topic:
The National Interest: Russia is afraid of losing its "too valuable" T-14 "Armata" tank
The National Interest: Only half of the Russian Su-30MK2s transferred to Venezuela are in service
