Ukraine downs third Russian Su‑25 in a week, signaling a strategic shift
6:51 AM EDT, May 14, 2024
Russia's mounting aircraft losses
According to military analyst Oleksij Hetman, the Russian Federation Army's fleet of Su-25 aircraft stands at just under 200. This figure is on a downward trend, a testament to the ongoing targeting of these aircraft. The Su-25, developed for ground attack operations and front-line support, is not known for high performance, especially compared to air superiority fighters.
This renders the Su-25 a valuable asset for Ukraine, aiding ground troops from the air and a viable target. With a maximum altitude of approximately 23,000 feet and a speed under 590 mph, the Su-25 is significantly easier to intercept than the more agile and faster supersonic fighters.
Discussions online imply that the Ukrainian strategy of eliminating Su-25s might be part of a larger plan to incorporate F-16s into their military assets. However, it's essential to recognize the differences between these aircraft types, as the Su-25 does not directly compare with the F-16 in aerial capabilities.
The role of the Su-25 in air support
Spanning over 49 feet in length and weighing 22,046 pounds, the Su-25 can carry approximately 9,468 pounds of ammunition across 10 underwing hardpoints. Its primary armament is the GSz-30-2 30 mm cannon. The aircraft is specified to operate at low altitudes, reaching speeds around 590 mph and a ceiling of 23,000 feet.
These operational parameters dictate that the Su-25 must engage near friendly bases, influenced by the basic version's range of about 310 miles. This range allows the aircraft to substantially support infantry and mechanized units in combat scenarios.