Russia is rapidly fortifying one of its most important military aviation hubs, constructing reinforced aircraft shelters around operational fighter jets in an apparent effort to protect them from long-range Ukrainian strikes.According to Military Watch Magazine, recent satellite imagery shows extensive construction at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant and the adjacent Dzemgi Air Base in Russia’s Far East.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.The images indicate that engineers are building hardened shelters directly around aircraft already parked on the flight line rather than relocating them, allowing flight operations to continue while strengthening protection.The publication said the aviation plant is Russia’s only production facility for the Su-57 and Su-35 fighter jets, while Dzemgi Air Base hosts operational squadrons equipped with Su-57, Su-35 and Su-30SM2 aircraft.The Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting name: Felon) is Russia’s first and only operational fifth-generation stealth fighter. After a decade-long and delay-plagued development program, it officially entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) in 2020.Military Watch Magazine reports that satellite imagery also shows a large new production hall nearing completion alongside multiple reinforced shelters, some reportedly large enough to house two or three fighter aircraft.The construction comes as Russia seeks to better protect high-value military assets following a series of successful long-range Ukrainian strikes against air bases deep inside Russian territory.