Ukraine drone strikes destroys russian Su-30SM Fighter

Defence affairs analysis

A drone attack launched by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) on a Russian airbase in Crimea on August 4 has damaged multiple fighter aircraft, and destroyed at least one Su-30SM fighter. 

“As a result of the strike on the airfield, a stockpile of aviation munitions was hit. A Su-30SM fighter jet was completely destroyed, another was damaged. Additionally, three Su-24 bombers were struck,” a report from the agency stated. The extent of damage to other fighters remains unknown, although the possibility remains significant that more than one fighter was destroyed. The SBU claimed that “a single Su-30SM fighter jet may cost between $35 and $50 million,” although this was the aircraft’s price for export including spare parts and munitions. The Su-30SM’s actual cost to the Russian Defence Ministry is estimated at approximately $12 million, compared to around $17 million for the Su-35, and $35 million for the Su-57, although this can vary greatly depending on exchange rates. 

The latest attack on a Crimean airbase closely follows a call by German Army Major General Christian Freuding for further Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian airfields. “You can also indirectly affect the offensive potential of Russian strike forces before they are deployed,” Freuding stated at the time, adding: “Use long-range air warfare assets to strike aircraft and airfields before they are used. Also, target weapons production facilities.” Significant support from Western personnel on the ground and access to satellite intelligence have been key to facilitating such attacks, as has the tremendous supply of parts and funding to sustain drone production in Ukraine. Russia has recently responded to repeated attacks on its airfields by building new hardened shelters for its fighters, with footage released by the British Ministry of Defence in late July confirming their construction at multiple airbases.