Satellite imagery of Lipetsk air base shows that 24 aircraft have been decomissioned and added to the boneyard since mid 2023 because of a lack of spare parts and an ability to maintain them including Mig-31, Su-35, Su-30 and Su-25.
Summary
Satellite imagery reveals that the Lipetsk air base in Russia has seen a significant reduction in operational aircraft since mid-2023. Analysis of the footage indicates that twenty-four fighter jets have been decommissioned and moved to storage areas, commonly referred to as boneyards. This decline is attributed primarily to a shortage of spare parts and a diminished capacity for maintenance among Russian aviation crews. The specific models identified in this downturn include the MiG-31, Su-35, Su-30, and Su-25. These aircraft represent critical assets within the Russian air force, and their grounding suggests ongoing logistical challenges affecting the broader military machine. The visual evidence points to a trend where equipment is being retired not due to combat damage or obsolescence alone, but because they cannot be kept flying without essential components. This situation highlights potential vulnerabilities in supply chains that support high-end military hardware. As of now, the exact timeline for future deliveries of spare parts remains uncertain based on available public data. The channel Suchomimus continues to monitor these developments through satellite observation, providing visual confirmation of these changes at the Lipetsk facility without relying on official statements from Moscow.
