Ukrainian drones fly 500 km to hit Russian Su-35 and Su-34 fighters at Khanskaya air base

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) struck two Russian fighter jets – a Su-35 and a Su-34 – at the Khanskaya military air base in the Republic of Adygea in Russia on the night of 3-4 October.

Source: SSU official website

Details: The strike on the aircraft was carried out using drones that travelled approximately 500 km to reach the target. The attack was executed by Special Operations Centre Alpha.

Quote: "Both aircraft can carry guided aerial bombs, which the enemy uses extensively along the front line and against Ukrainian cities."

For reference: The Su-35 is a multirole fighter and one of Russia's most advanced combat aircraft. According to SSU data, its export value is around US$100 million.

The Su-34 fighter-bomber is valued at approximately US$50 million. The Security Service refers to it as a "key aircraft of Russian tactical aviation".

Background:

• Ukrainska Pravda reported that Ukrainian forces struck a Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber-missile carrier at the Engels airbase on 28 August.
• On 21 August, Ukraine's General Staff confirmed a strike on a Russian Su-34 frontline bomber at the Akhtubinsk military airbase. The aircraft was attacked roughly 650 km from the front line.

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