Ukraine's defense intelligence agency (GUR) reported on 22/12 that two Russian Su-30 fighter jets at the Lipetsk air base were damaged by fire on the night of 20-21/12. Initially, the agency stated one Su-30 and one Su-27 were damaged, but later corrected the information to confirm both were Su-30s.

"This operation, directed by the GUR, was executed by a member of the anti-Russian resistance movement. Planning took two weeks. Prior research into patrol routes and guard shift schedules allowed the agent to infiltrate the facility undetected, attack the two fighter jets in the hangar, and safely withdraw", according to the announcement.

Images allegedly showing a Ukrainian agent setting fire to a Russian Su-30 fighter jet at Lipetsk base in a video posted on 22/12. *Video: GUR*

The GUR video shows a cockpit interior and flames originating from the main landing gear, then spreading to the engine air intake. One aircraft, equipped with air-to-air missiles and canards, suggests it is a Su-30SM combat aircraft.

The GUR stated the two damaged aircraft are valued at approximately 100 million USD and have been "neutralized". However, the video alone does not allow for a precise assessment of the damage to the Russian fighter jets.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on these reports.

Located approximately 320 km from the Ukrainian border, the Lipetsk air base is critical for the Russian air force. It hosts the conversion training center for fighter pilots, where new combat aircraft batches are evaluated, pilots are trained for real combat operations, and air force combat tactics are developed. The Lipetsk base was also the first facility to receive mass-produced Su-57 stealth fighter jets for pilot training.

Aircraft at Lipetsk base in may. *Photo: Google Earth*

This incident marks another instance of Russian military facilities being infiltrated and sabotaged by Ukrainian operatives.

In october 2022, Ukrainian agents infiltrated the Ostrov base in Pskov province, reportedly destroying two Ka-52 and one Mi-28N attack helicopters by planting explosives. In may 2023, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed a sabotage attack, likely arson, against an aircraft at a Siberian production facility.

However, some past arson incidents have resulted in minor damage or targeted aircraft already decommissioned and grounded by Russia.

By Pham Giang (Sources: War Zone, Kyiv Post)