- Category
- War in Ukraine
Ukrainian Forces Strike Russian Su-57 Jets and Su-34 Aircraft At Airbase 1700 Km Deep Inside Russia
- Authors
![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Ukraine’s Armed Forces have struck advanced Russian military aircraft at a base deep inside Russian territory, according to a statement from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on May 1.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
The operation, carried out on April 25, targeted the Shagol airfield in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region. Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces reportedly hit several Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets as well as a Sukhoi Su-34 aircraft.
The General Staff said the strike was part of ongoing efforts to reduce Russia’s capacity to launch attacks on civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. The extent of the damage to the aircraft is still being assessed, the statement said.
According to the Ukrainian military, the targeted airfield is located approximately 1,700 kilometers from Ukraine’s state border.
In August 2025, Russia has intensified the deployment of its Su-57 Felon stealth fighters within the Ukraine, transitioning the aircraft into more frequent and diverse combat roles.
According to reports from the aviation monitoring group “Sonyashnyk,” the Russian Aerospace Forces are regularly utilizing the Su-57 to refine weapons configurations and test sophisticated aerial maneuvers.
Operational insights indicate that Russia is now incorporating the Su-57 into multi-jet formations for deep-strike missions. A common tactical setup features the Su-57 providing high-altitude protection using long-range R-77M air-to-air missiles, while accompanying aircraft execute precision attacks with Kh-69 cruise missiles or guided munitions.
Furthermore, open-source data suggests the introduction of a specialized guided weapon, potentially the Su-71K—a hybrid system combining characteristics of both a drone and a missile. This new munition is reportedly designed with advanced radar-evasion capabilities and high maneuverability, reflecting a strategic shift to bypass Ukraine’s increasingly capable air defense networks.
In addition, last month, Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense (HUR) reported that approximately one-third of the Russian firms manufacturing components for the Su-34 fighter-bomber are currently operating without being targeted by Western sanctions. This lack of restriction potentially grants these enterprises ongoing access to essential international technology and hardware.
The HUR emphasized that many of these businesses have successfully avoided being listed for trade restrictions by members of the international sanctions coalition. Consequently, these entities “may continue to have access to necessary foreign components and technologies,” which supports the continued production of the Russian aircraft.
Discuss this article:
-9bd5e1532102621f8fb1c4ba871a3171.png)
