Ukrainian air force claims downing six Russian aircrafts: reassessing Su‑34 and Su‑35 capabilities

"To my observation, the destruction of Russian aircrafts has resulted in the enemy treading with caution - this is evident in the front line areas to the north, south and east," noted Jurij Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force. His further remarks suggest that the Russians have become cautious knowing they are within the reach of the Ukrainian air defence, hence their reduced boldness.

Ukrainians assert that in three days (from February 16 to 18 GMT), they could bring down as many as six aircraft that were integral to Russian tactical aviation. The list reportedly includes Su-35 fighters and Su-34 bombers. Emerging news implicates the Patriot ground-to-air missile system's significant contribution to these attacks.

The Su-34 (known under the NATO code as Fullback) is a Russian multi-purpose fighter-bomber with the ability to carry tactical nuclear weapons. We have noted in previous reports that the Su-34 draws its design from the Su-27 fighter aircraft, with the main similarities evident in their construction. However, changes have been made to the fuselage and cockpit of the former. This includes features such as its length of about 23 meters, a wingspan of roughly 15 meters, and a height of nearly 6 meters. Its unladen mass is just over 17,700 kilograms, and its take-off weight is approximately 38,000 kilograms.

The Su-34 can reach a top speed of around 1900 km/h, and attain a maximum altitude of nearly 17,000 metres. Its key weapon is the 30 mm calibre GSz-30-1 aircraft cannon. The aircraft also has 12 weapon points that allow for the carriage of a variety of weaponry, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, anti-ship missiles, guided bombs, or free-falling bombs. The Su-35 represents one of Russia's most contemporary mass-produced fighters.

The Su-35 was intended to bridge the technological gap between older machines and the forthcoming fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft. The Su-35 has a maximum takeoff weight of around 69 tonnes (with a maximum load of about 8 tonnes) and can accelerate up to about 2500 km/h. Its operational range varies between 1500–4500 kilometers. The aircraft measures about 22 meters long, and its wingspan is just over 15 meters. It can accommodate one pilot.

In the Su-35, the Russians incorporated systems like the N035 Irbis-E radar and electronic warfare system, the OLS-35 optoelectronic sight, and a self-defence set with the OAR station. This allows it to carry the full range of Russian aviation weapons. Additionally, the fighter is armed with a 30mm calibre cannon.