Pro‑Ukraine saboteurs destroy Russian fighter jet in Rostov
A Su-30SM multirole fighter jet has burned down in Russia. According to the United24 Media portal, the aircraft was set on fire by pro-Ukrainian saboteurs. The plane had been stationed in Rostov-on-Don for several years.
As reported by Ukrainian military intelligence, a Russian Su-30SM aircraft with the side number 35 burned down at the Centralny air base in Rostov-on-Don. It is unknown in what condition the aircraft was before the arson. Archival photos available on Google Earth indicate that this type of plane has been present at the mentioned base since at least 2021.
Russian Su-30SM burned at the airport
Satellite images from April 24, 2025, show traces of the fire at the place where the Su-30SM used to stand.
Historical satellite photos might indicate that the Russian fighter has not flown for several years. However, this cannot be confirmed with 100 percent certainty. It also cannot be ruled out that the unit served as a "donor" of parts for potential repairs of other planes of this type. This would not be surprising given the known cases of cannibalization in the Russian Federation's arsenal due to difficulties in accessing new spare and service parts.
The Su-30SM is one of the most advanced combat aircraft in Russia's arsenal, featuring an impressive operational range of about 1,864 miles and the ability to operate at altitudes of up to 57,414 feet. This aircraft, with a length of nearly 72 feet, is designed to effectively destroy targets both in the air and on land and sea. It is equipped with a standard aircraft cannon and twelve pylons that can carry additional armaments weighing up to 17,637 pounds. The Su-30SM is capable of carrying various missiles such as the R-73, S-8, or Kh-25, as well as guided bombs.
