Drones from the Unmanned Systems Forces dealt a powerful blow to the Russian military airfield “Shagol” in the Chelyabinsk region, hitting four aircraft at once. This was reported by SBS Commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi. According to him, the General Staff of Ukraine, relying on satellite reconnaissance data, confirmed the damage to at least three deep-strike assets, which inflicted significant damage on Russian military aircraft.
This is reported by Finway
Details of the Damaged Aircraft
According to the report, as a result of the attack, two Su-57 fighter jets, one Su-34 fighter-bomber, and another aircraft of the Su brand, the modification of which has not yet been established, were hit. Satellite images show the remnants of a destroyed servicing vehicle that was located between the Su-57 aircraft. After the strike, the damaged aircraft were moved to protected areas of the airfield.
“The satellite image captured the remnants of the destroyed aircraft servicing vehicle, which was located between the Su-57 aircraft. After the strike, the damaged aircraft were moved to other, closed parts of the airfield,” Brovdi stated.
Significance of the Losses for Russian Aviation
The SBS Commander emphasized that the damage to the Su-34 and Su-57 has a serious impact on Russia’s combat aviation. The Su-34 is the main strike platform capable of carrying various guided bombs and missiles, conducting attacks on critical infrastructure, military facilities, and civilian targets at distances of up to 1000 km. Each loss of such an aircraft reduces the number of possible airstrikes, helps save civilian lives, and eases the burden on air defense systems. The Su-57, as the most advanced Russian fighter with stealth technology, poses a particular threat to Ukraine’s combat aviation and air defense.
SBS experts estimate the cost of one Su-34 at 35–50 million dollars, while the Su-57 is valued at 100–120 million dollars.
It is worth noting that the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine previously reported a successful strike on the Shagol airfield that took place on April 25. The official Russian command has not confirmed these losses, although the authorities of the Chelyabinsk region reported an attack by drones that same morning.