According to CNN, the Russian military has begun covering some of its attack aircraft with car tires, which experts believe may be a temporary attempt to protect them from Ukrainian drone attacks.

Satellite images from Maksar Engels Air Base in the interior of Russia show two Tu-95 strategic bombers with car tires on their fuselages.

Experts cited by CNN say this could be a rudimentary attempt not only to add another layer of protection against Ukrainian drones, but also to significantly reduce the visibility of the planes, especially at night.

According to Francisco Serra-Martins of drone manufacturer One Way Aerospace, whose drones have been used by Ukrainian forces, this improvisation may have limited effect in terms of damage mitigation.

“It might reduce the heat signatures, but they would still be observable under infrared cameras,” he told CNN.

“While this seems quite ridiculous, it appears that they are trying their best to protect aircraft that are otherwise safe targets. Whether it works or not depends on what kind of warhead the missile/drone has,” said Steffan Watkins, an open-source consultant who monitors aircraft and ships, adding that the tires could be used to prevent shrapnel from blowing up in the air above the plane’s breach. plane.

A NATO military official told CNN that the alliance saw the improvisation. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

“We believe it’s for drone defense,” a NATO military official told CNN. “We don’t know if it will have any effect.”