Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Su-35 and Su-34 Fighters in 500-Km Drone Raid

Ukrainian long-range drones struck a Russian Su-35 multirole fighter and a Su-34 fighter-bomber at the Khanskaya military airfield in Russia’s Republic of Adygea overnight on October 4, according to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).

The SBU said on October 4 that the operation was carried out by drones operated by its Alpha Special Operations Center. The airfield is located roughly 500 kilometers from Ukrainian-controlled territory.

According to the agency, the strike hit a Su-35—one of Russia’s most advanced operational fighter aircraft—as well as a Su-34, a key platform used by Russian tactical aviation. The SBU estimated their export values at approximately $100 million and $50 million, respectively.

Both aircraft can carry guided aerial bombs, which Russian forces regularly use against Ukrainian positions along the front line and against cities farther from the battlefield. The SBU also reported that its drones struck an ammunition depot located on the airfield.

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War in Ukraine

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Khanskaya, located near Maykop, is used by Russian military aviation and has previously hosted Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft. The facility also serves Russia’s military pilot training system and has been targeted by Ukrainian long-range strikes before.

Earlier on October 4, open-source footage and satellite fire-detection data indicated a fire at the airfield following the overnight drone attack. NASA’s FIRMS system detected thermal anomalies in the area of the facility.

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