Since February 17, 2024, the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has reported the downing of several Russian aircraft, including five Su-34s, one Su-35, one Su-35S, and one A-50, bringing the total to nearly ten Russian planes in ten days. This period of conflict has highlighted a shift in the dynamics of air power within the region, particularly around the battle for Avdiivka.
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Recognized for its improved avionics, radar, and weaponry systems, the Su-35 is designed to perform effectively in both long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. (Picture source: Yandex)
During this battle, Russian Air Forces achieved temporary and localized air superiority, assisting their ground troops with close air support towards the end of their offensive operation. This marked a significant development as it represented a notable change in the engagement strategy of Russian forces within Ukraine.
As the front line shifted westward, Russian aircraft had to operate closer to the contact line to reach new Ukrainian defense positions with FAB aerial bombs, a move that coincided with an increase in their losses. This change led to various interpretations among military analysts, with some suggesting that the Ukrainian forces had deployed additional air defense systems in response to the changing front line, effectively covering their withdrawal from Avdiivka. Others believed that the Russian Air Forces failed to adapt to the shifting front line, making their aircraft vulnerable to Ukrainian air defenses.
For example, on February 19, 2024, Ukrainian Air Defence forces announced the downing of two Russian fighter jets, extending their reported total to six within three days, including four Su-34s, one Su-35, and one Su-35S. According to Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces, the downed aircraft were engaged in operations against Ukrainian positions using guided air bombs before being intercepted.
The aircraft involved, particularly the Su-34 and Su-35, are significant assets in Russia's air force, with considerable capabilities in terms of range, payload, and cost. Despite the numerical and technical superiority of the Russian air force, Ukrainian air defenses have managed to restrict Russian aircraft operations, limiting them primarily to their own airspace and reducing their effectiveness in the conflict.
The Sukhoi Su-34 is a medium-range, supersonic, twin-engine, twin-seat fighter-bomber developed from the Sukhoi Su-27 platform. It is designed to perform a broad range of tactical missions, including strikes against ground and naval targets under varying conditions. This includes both individual and group operations during day and night, in all weather situations, amidst hostile environments with countermeasures such as counter-fire and electronic warfare (EW) active. The aircraft is slated to replace older models like the Su-24 tactical bomber and the Tu-22M long-range bomber. It has a notable feature of an armored cockpit for two pilots, positioned side by side, to enhance operational efficiency.
The Su-34 is equipped with comprehensive defensive systems including radar warning receivers, and infrared and laser warning systems, coupled with electronic countermeasures to improve its survival chances in hostile environments. Its integrated radar and targeting systems allow for long-range detection and engagement of targets with various precision-guided munitions. The aircraft's electronic warfare capabilities are designed to disrupt enemy radar and communications, while its advanced navigation and communication systems support coordination with allied forces. The Su-34 carries a diverse payload of weapons for the engagement of both air and surface targets, including missiles and bombs. Its performance specifications include a maximum speed of 1,900 km/h at altitude and a service ceiling of 17,000 meters, with a significant payload capacity across numerous hardpoints for various armaments and tools tailored to a range of combat scenarios.
The Sukhoi Su-35, categorized as a 4th-generation multirole fighter, is an evolved version of the Su-27 Flanker model. Recognized for its improved avionics, radar, and weaponry systems, the Su-35 is designed to perform effectively in both long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, with its maximum speed of Mach 2.25, a service ceiling of 20,000 m, and an operational range of 3,600 km. Equipped with an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, the Su-35 can concurrently track and engage multiple targets, contributing to its situational awareness and combat efficiency.
The Su-35 is armed with a diverse array of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including the R-77 (AA-12 Adder) air-to-air missile, Kh-31 (AS-17 Krypton) anti-ship missile, and Kh-59 (AS-18 Kazoo) standoff missile, showcasing its adaptability to various mission requirements. Demonstrating its capabilities in combat operations in Syria and being exported to several nations, the Su-35 is recognized for its functional role in the Russian Air Force.
