Ukraine's Air Force Command reported that a Russian multirole Su-35S fighter jet was shot down on the eastern front on 8/7. The 3rd Army Corps, deployed along 150 km of the frontline in the Donetsk sector, confirmed the Russian aircraft crashed in its area of responsibility.

Video released by the 3rd Corps showed a trail of fire and smoke believed to be from the falling Russian fighter. An unmanned aerial vehicle then captured images of the aircraft wreckage on the ground. The video was of low quality, likely due to electronic warfare interference.

Russia's Defense Ministry has not commented on the information. However, Oleksii Zemtsov, a Russian military commentator, confirmed a Su-35S fighter jet was shot down. He added that the pilot safely ejected and was evacuated to the rear.

Fighter Bomber, an account belonging to a Russian fighter pilot, described this as "a very interesting battle." According to the account, Ukraine deployed three F-16 fighter jets and a patriot air defense system to counter the Su-35S. "The Russian pilot did not flinch when facing two F-16s alone. Everything is fine, Kanatovo will soon take a hit," the account wrote.

Kanatovo is a reserve Ukrainian air force base located on the outskirts of Kropyvnytsky city in Kirovograd province. It previously housed squadrons of heavy Su-27 fighter jets and Su-24 attack aircraft. This location has been repeatedly targeted by fierce Russian attacks, resulting in significant damage to the Ukrainian air force.

AMK Mapping, a social media account tracking the Ukraine conflict, cited sources stating the Su-35S was shot down while attacking a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet with R-37 or R-77 air-to-air missiles. The account explained: "The F-16 aircraft appeared to be feigning a glide bomb drop but was actually trying to draw fire from the Russian aircraft with the support of two other F-16s."

The Ukrainian F-16 formation did not down the Su-35S fighter directly. However, a patriot air defense system deployed approximately 60 km from the frontline utilized the brief moment the Su-35S entered its range. It launched missiles simultaneously with the F-16s, successfully shooting down the target, according to AMK Mapping.

A Russian Su-35S fighter jet in a photo published in 3/2025. *Photo: Rostec*

The Su-35S is Russia's 4++ generation fighter jet. It is known for its high maneuverability, modern electronic equipment, and radar cross-section reducing paint materials.

The Russian air force began operating the Su-35S series in 2013, with approximately 110 aircraft in service when the conflict began. Russia has lost at least nine Su-35S aircraft in combat but has offset these losses due to continuously increasing aircraft production rates in recent years. By the end of 2025, the Russian air force will possess approximately 150-155 Su-35S fighter jets, with the production line achieving an output of 15-20 units annually.

Russia uses the Su-35S fighter for various missions, including air patrol, intercepting Ukrainian fighter aircraft, supporting ground troops, and suppressing enemy air defenses. The Kyiv Independent newspaper acknowledged that the Ukrainian military currently lacks effective measures to counter the Su-35S but believes the Gripen fighter jets, which Sweden is preparing to deliver, will change this dynamic.

By Pham Giang (According to Kyiv Independent, Ukrainska Pravda, Defence Blog)