Russia's deadly aerial attack on Ukraine. A closer look at the strategic bombers used
Russia launched another extensive bombardment on Ukraine, injuring several people. Reports of explosions came from various regions of Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Dnepr, Zaporizhia, Kryvyi Rih, and the Khmelnytskyi region.
11:02 AM EST, January 8, 2024
The Joint Forces Command confirmed that they observed an escalation in the Russian Federation's long-range aviation activities. While the Polish military remains silent on intelligence details, Ukrainian sources provide more information.
Russian aviation assaults Ukraine
Before these incidents, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that 11 strategic bombers, Tu-95MS, were operational on Russian territory. These aircraft took off from various locations, including an airport in the Murmansk region. Later reports also mentioned four Su-35 and Su-34 aircraft departing from Savasleyka in the Nizhny Novgorod region.
The Su-34 is a versatile tactical bomber developed by Russia based on the Su-27 fighter design. Before the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Federation was believed to possess about 130-140 Su-34 units. Still, several were reportedly shot down in subsequent conflicts (three Su-34 jets confirmed shot down by the end of 2023).
The bomber features 12 points for weapon attachments, including aerial bombs, rocket and maneuvering projectiles, and tactical thermo-nuclear bombs. It can also house different types of equipment, including surveillance and electronic warfare devices.
The Su-35, Russia's most modern, mass-produced multi-task plane, was officially introduced in 2014. The aircraft can easily be mistaken for the older and less advanced Su-27. Łukasz Michalik provided more in-depth information regarding this machine.
Classified as a multi-task fighter, the Su-35's design includes 12 weapon mounts on its wings and fuselage. It can hold air-to-air, air-to-ground missiles, and guided and unguided bombs.
