Ukraine strikes Russian airfield nearly 1,700 kilometers away, damages 4 fighter jets, military confirms
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Editor's note: This article was updated with additional details from a report published by Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert "Magyar" Brovdi.
Ukrainian drones struck four Russian fighter jets on April 25, including two Su-57s, an Su-34, and another aircraft whose model was not specified, at the Shagol airfield in Chelyabinsk, Russia, Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert "Magyar" Brovdi confirmed on May 1.
Ukraine's General Staff reported earlier that two fighter jets — a Su-57 and a Su-34 — were destroyed in the attack on the airfield. Updated information from the Unmanned Systems Forces indicates the damage was more extensive.
As Ukraine has stepped up strikes on Russia and its military infrastructure, the Kremlin has redeployed much of its air force farther from the Ukrainian border. At the same time, Ukrainian drones are already capable of flying more than 2,000 kilometers (about 1,240 miles), posing a threat even to aircraft deep inside Russian territory.
A satellite image published by Brovdi showed the remains of a vehicle used to service Russian aircraft. The commander added that damaged fighter jets were moved to enclosed hangars after the attack.
The damaged aircraft were located about 1,700 kilometers (around 1,060 miles) from the Ukrainian border, according to the General Staff.
The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims, and Russia has not commented on the reported strikes.
"Targeting Su-34 multi-role fighter-bombers and Su-57 fifth-generation fighters is critical to reducing the enemy’s strike capability," Brovdi said.
The commander added that Russian Su-34 fighter jets can carry a range of guided bombs and missiles and strike targets, including critical infrastructure, military facilities, and civilian areas, at distances of up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).
"Every Su-34 (fighter jet) shot down means fewer airstrikes, more civilian lives saved, and less strain on air defense systems," he added.
The Su-57, Russia's most advanced stealth fighter, poses a "particular threat" to aircraft and air defense systems, according to Brovdi.
Russia's Su-57 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for air superiority and precision strikes, while the Su-34 is a twin-seat fighter-bomber used for tactical and long-range bombing missions in Russia's war against Ukraine.
According to Brovdi, a single Su-34 costs between $35 million and $50 million, while the Su-57 is estimated at $100 million to $120 million.
This is not Ukraine's first successful drone operation against Russian aircraft. Ukraine carried out an unprecedented mass drone strike as part of Operation Spiderweb on June 1, targeting four Russian air bases deep inside the country.
During the attack, Ukrainian forces reportedly damaged 41 aircraft, using drones concealed in trucks deployed at multiple locations across Russia.
Since then, Ukraine has continued to target Russian air assets. Drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) struck five Russian fighter jets overnight on Aug. 4 at an airfield in Saky, a city in Russian-occupied Crimea.
