Ukraine's Armed Forces announced the downing of three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers, adding to the toll of Russian aircraft losses in recent days. Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed the successful combat operation on Facebook, signaling increased anti-aircraft activity. Speculation surrounds the weaponry used, including Patriot missile launchers and older air-defense systems. David Axe highlights the strain on the Russian air force and aerospace industry, suggesting a potential breaking point. Losses coupled with overuse exacerbate Russia's aerial challenges, as highlighted by Michael Bohnert's analysis. The impending arrival of F-16s strengthens Ukraine's defense, further challenging Russia's air superiority.
Russian Su-34 Fighter-Bombers Shot Down in Ukraine: Aerial Warfare Intensifies
Scratch Three More Russian Su-34s in Ukraine: The commander-in-chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces announced on Thursday that three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers were shot down – bringing the total of Russian aircraft lost to a dozen in just the past 13 days.
"After a successful combat operation against an enemy aircraft on the night of February 29, two more russian aircraft were destroyed: Su-34 fighter-bombers in the Avdiivka and Mariupol directions! Thanks for the combat work!," wrote Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi in a post on Facebook.
An additional Su-34 was reportedly lost following that announcement. Russia has not responded to the claims that three of its advanced fighter-bombers were lost, nor has the fate of the downed pilots been reported.
It is also unclear what anti-aircraft weapons were being employed to target and successfully destroy the Russian aircraft, but there is speculation that the American-made Patriot missile launchers could have been moved closer to the front lines, or an older S-200 air-defense system was used to target the aircraft.