Ukraine downs Russian Su‑25 in Donetsk, marks increasing aircraft losses

Aviation is pivotal in armed conflicts. It offers the capability for swift and precise targeting of vital enemy infrastructures and bolsters the efforts of ground forces. Dominance in the airspace can critically shape the trajectory of military operations, influencing mobility, logistics, and overall combat efficacy.

The 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade, named after Gen. Marek Bezruczko, shot down the Su-25, marking another success for Ukrainian air defense. They started this accomplishment on Facebook, emphasizing that the sequence of Russian crashes continues. The shooters in the 110th brigade have performed admirably, bringing down another Su-25 this day.

The Su-25, a Soviet-era twin-engine jet attack aircraft, first flew in 1975, with mass production commencing in 1978. Current estimates suggest Russia might still have nearly 200 of these aircraft.

Designed for speed and agility, the Su-25 can reach velocities of approximately 590 mph, measures over 49 feet in length, and weighs 22,046 lbs. Its standard range is about 317 miles, and it can be extended with additional fuel tanks.

The versatile aircraft can bear up to 9,480 lbs of armaments across 10 external mount points. These can include a variety of bombs, unguided rockets, guided missiles, and gun and bomb pods, making it a formidable support asset for Russian forces.