Arctic Circle Airports Temporarily Closed Due to Suspected Ukrainian Drone Attacks

Several airports in the Arctic Circle, including Murmansk and Apatity, were temporarily closed after suspected Ukrainian drones were shot down, according to Russian social media reports. The closures occurred as Russian authorities implemented their "Carpet Plan" measures in response to the detection of three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the area. Two additional drones were spotted approaching from the southeast, near Arkhangelsk, on the previous day.

The regional governor, Andrey Chibis, confirmed that two of the drones were successfully brought down within a seven-kilometer radius of the Olenya military airfield. However, there is currently no information regarding any damage or casualties resulting from the incursions on Wednesday or the fate of the third UAV on Thursday.

Russian media has also reported an increase in reconnaissance flights conducted by NATO aircraft from Finland, Sweden, and Norway near the affected area. The Olenya military airfield, located approximately 1,800 kilometers away from Ukraine and close to the Finnish border, hosts a significant portion of Moscow's strategic bomber fleet. This location previously experienced attacks by Ukrainian drones on July 27, which resulted in damage to at least two Tu-22M3 long-range supersonic bomber-missile carriers. Another attack took place on August 21, with unknown outcomes.

The "Carpet" plan, implemented in February 2023, establishes restrictions on aviation activity within 200 kilometers of military airfield control points in response to threats to Russian airspace. Such threats can include severe weather conditions or unauthorized/incognito aircraft violations. This plan has been enacted several times due to Ukrainian drone attacks in various cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Voronezh, and Tatarstan, where drone strikes targeted facilities associated with Shahed kamikaze drone production between April and May.

As of now, Ukrainian officials have not provided any comments regarding these alleged drone attacks. The situation remains under investigation, and further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.