Ukraine Takes Out 6 Russian Su-34M Bombers With a Single Airbase Strike, Navy Says

Ukraine’s Navy says a Neptune missile strike on Russia’s Borisoglebsk military airfield destroyed six Su-34M fighter-bombers overnight on October 15, potentially dealing a major blow to one of the aircraft fleets Moscow relies on heavily for guided-bomb strikes against Ukrainian troops and frontline cities.

According to the Ukrainian Navy, the strike was carried out with a Neptune coastal missile system against the airfield in Russia’s Voronezh region.

Six Su-34M aircraft were destroyed, along with ground equipment used to support flight operations, while secondary explosions and a fire were recorded across the base.

“On the night of October 15, the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck the Borisoglebsk military airfield in Russia’s Voronezh region using the Neptune coastal missile system,” the Navy said.

“As a result of the strike, six Su-34M bombers were destroyed. Technical equipment supporting aviation operations was also destroyed, while secondary detonations and a fire were recorded on the airfield grounds. Information is being clarified.”

The Su-34M is a deeply modernized version of Russia’s Su-34 all-weather supersonic fighter-bomber and was developed as an evolution of the aircraft intended to replace the older Su-24M.

The modernization substantially expanded its avionics, reconnaissance capabilities, electronic warfare systems, and range of precision weapons.

The aircraft can carry multiple guided and conventional aerial bombs at the same time, along with various missile types. Russian forces have relied heavily on the Su-34 family to launch glide bombs fitted with UMPK guidance and wing kits, allowing aircraft to strike Ukrainian positions and settlements from well behind the front line.

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The Su-34M modernization also introduced improved communications, navigation, weapons-control equipment, and reconnaissance pods designed for electro-optical, electronic, and radar intelligence missions. The aircraft’s two pilots sit side by side inside a heavily armored titanium cockpit.

Its expanded weapons suite includes precision-guided bombs, cruise missiles, and anti-ship weapons, while upgraded electronic warfare and radar systems are intended to improve survivability against air defenses.

Ukraine’s Navy said destroying the aircraft would reduce Russia’s ability to conduct tactical aviation missions in the affected sectors and weaken the fleet used for guided-bomb strikes against Ukrainian forces and communities near the front.

Earlier, a Ukrainian air-defense FPV drone shot down a modernized Russian Mi-28NM attack helicopter in midair.

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