Russian Su‑25 shot down by Ukrainian forces in Donetsk region
11:14 AM EDT, July 23, 2024
A recording has surfaced on social media confirming the downing of another Russian Su-25 attack aircraft. We explain how this happened and what characterizes the Su-25.
According to released information, the Russian attack aircraft was shot down in the Donetsk region by soldiers from the 110th Independent Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The incident occurred on the morning of July 23 at around 6:00 AM Eastern Time. Videos showing the moment of the attack and the crash of the Russian aircraft, recorded by a nearby drone, have since appeared online.
Ukrainians shot down a Russian Su-25
Russian sources connected with their military aviation confirm the loss of the Su-25. They also suggest that the pilot survived and was evacuated from the scene.
Although neither side has provided detailed accounts of the incident, one of the videos clearly shows that Ukrainians used MANPADS, portable anti-aircraft missile systems. These are handheld rocket launchers that enable the targeting of aircraft with light anti-aircraft missiles. The range varies depending on the specific MANPADS model. For instance, the Polish PPZR Grom and PPZR Piorun have ranges of 0.31-3.4 miles and 0.31-4 miles, respectively.
Su-25 is one of the most frequently seen Russian aircraft over Ukraine. It is a twin-engine, single-seat attack aircraft from the late 20th century, developed by Sukhoi's design bureau. The Su-25 measures over 50 feet in length and, with a weight of around 22,000 pounds, can reach speeds up to 590 mph and climb to an altitude of up to 23,000 feet.
The primary armament of the Su-25 is the GSz-30-2 30 mm cannon. Additionally, it can carry various suspended armaments (bombs, unguided and guided rocket missiles, or air-to-air missiles for self-defense) on wing pylons, with a total load capacity of up to 8,800 pounds.
As explained by Norbert Garbarek, a journalist for Wirtualna Polska, due to their specific roles and purposes, Su-25s are frequently exposed to enemy fire. These aircraft primarily support ground troops from the air and are involved in front-line combat, making them a key asset in the Russian military's operations.
