Tu-142 Aircraft Stored Since 2011 Moved Within a Month Before UFS Strike

The two Tu-142 aircraft damaged by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) had been in long-term storage since 2011 at Russia’s Taganrog Aviation Plant.

Militarnyi reached this conclusion based on an analysis of satellite imagery and open sources.

Four Tu-142 aircraft of two versions — maritime communications relay (MR) and anti-submarine (MK) — are stored at the facility.

Relocation of the Tu-142

All of them had remained parked in storage areas for a long period and were not moved through April 17, 2026.

Location of Tu-142 aircraft and other aircraft at Taganrog Aviation Plant airfield as of April 17, 2026. Screenshot from copernicus.eu

Starting from April 27 and continuing until May 19, within one month, Russian forces moved three of the four Tu-142 aircraft from storage positions closer to the main plant workshop and onto auxiliary runways.

Tu-142 aircraft movements at Taganrog airfield in April–May 2026. Screenshot from copernicus.eu. Legend: Militarnyi

The reason for the movement is unknown. It may indicate possible de-preservation work for future restoration and repair, or preparation for transfer to a safer location.

Another possible reason is the use of stored aircraft as decoys for strikes by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

Identified Tu-142s

It is known that four Tu-142 aircraft have been stored at the plant since at least 2011, three of which have been identified as follows:

• Tu-142MK with tail number “red 71”
• Tu-142MR with tail number “red 25”
• Tu-142MR with tail number “black 14”

The fourth Tu-142 could not be identified.

The video initially shows the Tu-142MR being hit, and in another frame, it is already on fire. It can be identified by the specific arrangement of elements on the vertical stabilizer.

Another affected aircraft is a Tu-142MK, which is also distinguished by its different vertical stabilizer compared to the MR version.

Thus, both affected Tu-142 aircraft were not in active service with Russian forces, and the reasons for their relocation remain unknown.