Two Russian teenagers are accused of setting fire to a military helicopter worth £11 million ($13.8 million) at Noyabrsk airport in the Yamalo-Nenets district, Russian authorities reported Wednesday. The incident occurred as Russia faces increased pressure from Ukrainian drone attacks across the country.
According to a Telegram channel associated with Russian security services, two boys aged 13 and 14 allegedly found an Mi-8 helicopter at the airport and doused it with flammable liquid before igniting it with cigarettes. The fire completely destroyed the aircraft.
The teens reportedly sustained burns during the incident, requiring hospitalization. They are now under guard at a local medical facility, according to the Kyiv Post.
The Baza Telegram channel claims that the boys did not accidentally stumble upon the aircraft but were promised payment for the act. They allegedly entered and exited the secure airport through a hole in the fence.
Reports suggest the teenagers were offered 5 million rubles (£42,000/$52,500) to set the helicopter on fire. This followed a previous incident where they were allegedly paid 30,000 rubles (£252/$315) to set a phone tower ablaze a few days earlier.
Russian authorities have not officially commented on the incident or confirmed these details. The event raises questions about security at Russian military installations, particularly as the country faces increased attacks from Ukraine.
The alleged arson comes at a sensitive time for Russia, with Ukrainian forces recently pushing into the Kursk region and launching drone strikes deep inside Russian territory. One of the accused teenagers’ fathers is reportedly fighting Ukrainian troops on the frontline, adding a complex dimension to the incident.
As investigations continue, the case highlights potential vulnerabilities in Russia’s domestic security and the broader impacts of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine on Russian society.
The destruction of the Mi-8 helicopter, a versatile aircraft used for both transport and combat roles, represents a significant loss for the Russian military, both in terms of financial cost and operational capability.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet commented on the incident, which is likely to cause concern among military leadership about the security of valuable assets, even in areas far from the front lines of the conflict with Ukraine.
