Ukraine Says It Shot Down Another Russian “Aerial Terrorist”—OSINT Points to $36M Su-34 Fighter-Bomber

Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed that Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian aircraft, while OSINT monitoring channels claim the target was a Su-34 fighter-bomber. On the other hand, Russian military sources indicate that the aircraft in question might be a Su-35.

No additional official details have been released so far. “Good news from the Air Force! Today, we minus one more Russian aerial terrorist!” Ukraine’s Air Force wrote.

If confirmed, the loss of a Su-34 would be significant. The aircraft, known by NATO as the Fullback, is Russia’s frontline twin-engine, twin-seat strike aircraft used for precision attacks on ground targets.

Russian pro-war blogger Voevoda Veshchaet confirmed the loss, claiming that the pilot is alive and has already been rescued. He also stated that the pilot will receive “a new Su-35,” indirectly pointing to the exact type of aircraft downed by Ukraine.

The Su-34 was developed from the Soviet-era Su-27 air superiority fighter and was designed to replace the older Su-24 tactical bomber. Although Russia often presents the aircraft as a modern system, its first flight took place in 1990, and serial production only gained momentum years later.

One of the Su-34’s most recognizable features is its wide side-by-side cockpit, housed in an armored titanium capsule that protects the crew from shrapnel and small-arms fire. Because of its unusually flat nose, the aircraft is often nicknamed the “Duckling.”

The Su-34 is built as a heavy strike platform. It can carry up to eight to twelve tons of weapons across 12 external hardpoints, including precision-guided munitions, anti-ship missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and glide bombs such as the KAB-500 series.

The aircraft is also equipped with radar that allows it to use modern Russian air-to-air missiles, although its main role remains strikes against ground targets.

The Su-34 is one of the most expensive aircraft in Russia’s military inventory, with an estimated cost of around $36 million per jet.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Russia Parks 7 Su-35 Jets at Borisoglebsk Airfield Just Before Ukrainian Drone Strike

Jul 08, 2026 13:35

Russia has widely used Su-34s in its war against Ukraine, including for launching guided bombs and missiles at Ukrainian cities, frontline positions, and civilian infrastructure.

Earlier, a Russian military blogger revealed that Russia’s Ka-52 attack helicopter that crashed in Russia’s Voronezh region on July 2 was likely brought down by friendly fire while responding to a Ukrainian drone attack.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW