Russian Federation covers bombers with tyres to protect them from drones (satellite photos)

Satellite images from the airbase in Engels show two Tu-95 strategic bombers with car tyres on the fuselages. This is reported by CNN.

Experts say this could be a crude attempt to not only add another layer of defence against drones, but also to visibly reduce the aircraft's visibility, especially at night.

It may reduce the heat signature of unprotected strategic aircraft deployed on airfield aprons, but they will still be visible under infrared cameras, according to Francisco Serra-Martins, a drone manufacturer at One Way Aerospace.

Steffan Watkins, an open source research consultant believes that "although it seems rather silly, they seem to be trying to do everything they can to enhance aircraft armour..."

"We believe it is designed to defend against drones," a NATO military spokesman told CNN. "We don't know if it will have any effect."