Ukraine downs Russian Su-35 fighter in Kursk region
Photo: Russian Su-35 shot down in Kursk region (Getty Images)
Ukrainian forces have destroyed a Russian Su-35 fighter jet. The incident took place in the Kursk region on June 7, according to the Ukrainian Air Force on Telegram.
"This morning, June 7, 2025, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet was shot down in the Kursk sector as a result of a successful operation by the Air Force," the statement said.
What we know about the Su-35
The Su-35 is a Soviet/Russian multirole fighter. The aircraft is a modernized version of the older Su-27. It is designed to intercept and destroy aerial targets, and it is also used to strike ground infrastructure or enemy forces.
According to open sources, the Su-35 is capable of detecting up to 30 targets and engaging eight of them simultaneously. Its maximum speed reaches 2,500 km/h (1,500 km/h at low altitude).
Russian media report that the cost of a Su-35 fighter jet is estimated at around $98–104 million.
Russia’s aviation losses
According to Ukraine’s General Staff, Russia has lost 413 aircraft of various types since the start of the war. Ukrainian forces have also destroyed 337 enemy helicopters.
On June 1, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out a unique operation targeting Russia’s strategic aviation. During the special operation, dubbed Spiderweb, drones struck aircraft at four airfields across Russia.
Reportedly, 41 enemy strategic aircraft were damaged, including A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 bombers. According to the SBU chief, this represents about 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers.
