After the ATACMS strike on the airfield, the Russian army redeployed Ka-52 and Mi-8 helicopters from the occupied Ukrainian Berdyansk to the Russian Taganrog. This is reported by "Defense Express", citing images released by military analyst Brady Africk.


The satellite image, received on October 31, 2023, shows that Russia has deployed 21 Ka-52 and Mi-8 helicopters in Taganrog. These helicopters were allegedly previously stationed at Berdyansk airport, but were withdrawn less than two weeks after a strike by Ukraine's defense forces using the ATACMS missile and artillery strike system on October 17.


This action by Russia has raised questions about its intentions and the possible use of Taganrog as a new base for helicopters. It also remains unclear whether the helicopters were transported by land or by air.


Given the distance from Taganrog to the front line and the possible practical range of Ka-52 helicopters (up to 480 kilometers), this decisive event raises questions about the purpose and direction of this action by the Russian army.


There is also speculation that Taganrog could be used not only as a base for helicopters, but also as a point for possible repair of Russian military aircraft if their airfields are subjected to ATACMS attacks by the Ukrainian defense forces.


Taganrog already has an aircraft repair facility, but its specialization has so far been limited to servicing A-50 and A-50U radar surveillance aircraft.