Ukrainian Air Force Claims Victory: Su-35 Shot Down
NATO Summit and Financial Support for Ukraine
In the wake of the recent NATO summit held in Ankara, allies pledged an additional €70 billion to support Ukraine for the year 2026. This financial commitment underscores the urgency of the situation and the possible advantages for both involved parties. The frontlines reveal a significant threat, notably posed by Russia’s advanced Su-35 fighter jets.
Engagement in the Skies
Amidst these developments, Ukrainian forces are actively responding. Just as discussions were taking place at the NATO summit, a reported dogfight occurred in Eastern Ukraine between an F-16 and a Su-35. The Ukrainian Air Force successfully downed the Russian jet, as evidenced by civilians and military bloggers showing compelling images of the incident.
Ukrainian Air Force: “Another Air Terrorist Neutralized”
The Ukrainian Air Force announced via Telegram that “another Russian air terrorist has been neutralized.” According to reports, the aircraft taken down was indeed the multifunctional Su-35. However, official communications have been limited, leaving military analysts and bloggers to piece together the operation’s details.
Sources from Ukrainian news outlet Vojevoda suggest that the operation to down the Su-35 involved a coordinated effort among three F-16 jets and a Patriot air defense system. One of the F-16s pretended to drop guided bombs while the others provided cover. The target was illuminated by the Patriot system and was located only 60 kilometers from the front line. Military blogger Ilia Tumanov confirmed this account, noting that the Russian side’s actions were predictable compared to the Ukrainians’ tactics.
The Rising Threat of the Su-35 with R-37M Missiles
The loss of a Su-35 significantly impacts the Kremlin’s military capabilities, as it is one of the most advanced fighter jets in their arsenal. The jet is increasingly equipped with new R-37M missiles that can engage targets from much greater distances. According to Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute, these missiles have dramatically heightened the threat they pose to NATO air operations.
Older missile types, such as the R-77-1, have a range of about 100 kilometers, while the newer R-37M missiles have a reach of approximately 320 kilometers. Experts argue that these new missiles have transitioned from being rare specialized weapons to regularly deployed armaments on the Su-35.
Russian Air Losses: Divergent Accounts
Such high-stakes missions carry drastic risks, especially given that each Su-35 is valued at over $100 million. The recent success of Ukraine’s F-16s has reportedly been acknowledged by Russian officials, who stated that the pilot managed to eject safely before the aircraft crashed.
Differences exist regarding the overall number of Russian air losses during the conflict. The Ukrainian General Staff claims that Russia has lost 437 aircraft and 353 helicopters, while the independent Oryx project reports significantly lower figures: 186 planes and 179 helicopters. The discrepancy stems from Oryx’s methodology, which relies heavily on visual evidence. Deviations from this standard are only made in rare instances where losses are confirmed by reliable sources.
Conclusion: A Changing Battlefield
The recent downing of the Su-35 by Ukraine not only highlights the evolving tactics in this ongoing conflict but also signifies a potential shift in aerial superiority. With NATO’s financial backing and the evolving capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force, the dynamics on the frontlines continue to change, raising questions about the future of this protracted confrontation.
