Unknown saboteurs carried out an act of sabotage at the Chkalovsky Airport in Russia, significantly damaging two planes and one helicopter on September 18, 2023. This incident has caused considerable concern in high-ranking military circles, as the airport is home to government aircraft, including "Doomsday planes" and special reconnaissance aircraft.

The unidentified individuals managed to plant explosive devices at the heavily guarded airport, resulting in the detonation of the AN-148 and IL-20 aircraft (both belonging to the 354th Special Purpose Aviation Regiment) and the MI-28N helicopter, which was actively used to intercept hostile drones over the Moscow region.

The damage inflicted on the aircraft will likely hinder their rapid recovery. The helicopter sustained tail damage from the explosion. Another AN-148 parked nearby sustained minor damage.

Russian law enforcement agencies are conducting efforts to identify the saboteurs and limit the spread of information about the incident in local media.