Russian troops shot down their own Su-30SM fighter over occupied Crimea while repelling an attack by Ukrainian drones – the Ukrainian Navy announced on Friday. The incident occurred in the north-western part of the peninsula.
The Ukrainian navy reported that their reconnaissance means intercepted a radio conversation which showed that both engines of the plane caught fire and the crew had to eject.
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“The enemy, most likely repelling a drone attack using anti-aircraft defense means, shot down its own multi-role fighter,” the message reads.
According to data from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Russia has already lost 427 planes and 346 helicopters.
Su-30SM fighter. What kind of machine is this?
The Su-30SM is a Russian multi-role fighter of the 4++ generation, developed by the Sukhoi design bureau based on the Su-30MKI model, originally created for India. The machine was adapted to the requirements of the Russian Air Force and Navy.
The plane is characterized by an aerodynamic system that provides exceptional maneuverability and the ability to perform complex figures in the air. It is equipped with modern avionics, Bars-R radar, GLONASS navigation systems and integrated electronic warfare means.
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The Su-30SM can perform a wide range of tasks – from air combat, through attacks on ground and sea targets, to reconnaissance missions. Its maximum speed is approximately Mach 2 and its range exceeds 3,000 km without air refueling.
The plane can carry weapons weighing up to 8 tons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, guided and unguided bombs. It is produced by the Irkutsk Aviation Plant and is one of the main types of fighters in Russian aviation.
