Resistance Movement Sparks Massive Fire at Base of Russia’s 960th Assault Aviation Regiment

The Kuban Resistance Movement claimed responsibility for a large-scale fire at the military compound of Russia’s 960th Assault Aviation Regiment, located near the Primorsko-Akhtarsk airbase.

Russian Monitor reported on this, citing a statement from the resistance group.

According to the outlet, residents heard a series of explosions at around 1:00 p.m., after which thick black smoke was seen rising above the military facility.

The Krasnodar Krai branch of Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed that a fire had broken out at the military facility, saying the cause is currently under investigation. Officials also warned against taking or publishing photos and videos of the aftermath.

A large fire at the military compound near the airbase was also detected by NASA FIRMS, a satellite monitoring system that tracks abnormal heat activity.

The regional office of Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations also issued an official denial regarding reports circulating in local chats about an urgent blood donation drive. Officials stated that “the hospital has sufficient supplies of medication, donor blood, and medical dressings.” The statement may indicate that there were casualties or injuries resulting from the attack.

Primorsko-Akhtarsk Airbase

The 960th Assault Aviation Regiment is part of the 1st Guards Composite Aviation Division, headquartered in the city of Krymsk in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai.

The regiment operates Sukhoi Su-25UB, Sukhoi Su-25UBM, and Sukhoi Su-25SM3 ground-attack aircraft. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, pilots from the unit also took part in Russia’s military campaign in Syria.

In addition to serving as a base for Su-25 aircraft, the Primorsko-Akhtarsk airbase has been used to launch Shahed kamikaze drones against targets across Ukraine.

Since the fall of 2025, Russia has significantly expanded the drone launch infrastructure at the site. By October 2025, the facility reportedly included 24 garages, each designed to store two drones.

As of late January 2026, the site reportedly had 16 standard garages, each capable of holding two drones, and 17 expanded garages, each capable of holding five drones. In addition, construction was underway on another 10 large garages.

As of late April 2026, the Primorsko-Akhtarsk airbase hosted 8 launch systems for strike UAVs. In total, Russia uses 44 launch systems for strikes against Ukraine, along with several adapted passenger vehicles for drone launches.