Russia loses Su-30SM fighter jet near Zmiinyi Island, Ukrainian Navy reports
Illustrative photo: Russia may have lost a Su-30SM (Russian Ministry of Defense)
A Russian Su-30SM fighter jet may have crashed near Zmiinyi Island. The enemy has lost contact with the pilots, according to the Ukrainian Navy on Telegram.
The Ukrainian Navy’s intelligence units intercepted radio communications indicating a loss of contact with a Su-30SM, which was carrying out a mission southeast of Zmiinyi Island.
"The aircraft likely crashed for unknown reasons," the military clarified.
Currently, the Russian forces are conducting a search and rescue operation. Wreckage of the plane has been found at sea, but the pilots have not been located.
Su-30SM
The Su-30SM fighter is a Russian two-seat, fourth-generation, multi-role heavy fighter. It is designed to gain air superiority and destroy aerial, ground, and naval targets.
The aircraft is equipped with two turbofan engines with thrust-vectoring capability. Its maximum speed reaches 2,125 km/h, and its service ceiling is 17,300 m. The combat radius is up to 1,500 km, and the maximum takeoff weight is 34,500 kg.
The cost of the aircraft is approximately $50 million.
Notably, on April 24, the Defense Intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported that a Su-30SM fighter burned at the Rostov-on-Don Central airfield.
The Ukrainian military intelligence did not disclose details of the operation at that time.
