The Russian invasion of Ukraine is not going well. Failing to make meaningful territorial gains failing to secure the airspace above the conflict, Russia has earned criticism not just for its illegality but for its inability to conduct a successful military operation against a weak and nearby neighbor.

Russia’s failure to secure the airspace above Ukraine in the opening weeks of the conflict was especially surprising and has helped lead to what has become a long-standing war of attrition, with ground forces locked in a stagnant and vicious face-off. Both nations have been hemorrhaging troops and equipment. Especially Russia, who has lost a steady stream of tanks, troops, and aircraft.

The Russians have lost a variety of aircraft, including the Su-34 fighter-bomber, the A-50 long-range detection aircraft, and the Su-35 fighter.

Losses to the Su-35

Three days ago, the Russians lost a Su-35 “Flanker” off the coast of Sevastopol, Crimea. “Footage online showed a jet on fire, spiraling into the sea and exploding,” The Guardian reported. “The Russian-installed governor of the illegally occupied region, Mikhail Razvoshayev, said on Thursday the pilot ejected and was picked up by rescuers but have no details as to the cause of the crash.”

What exactly happened to the Su-35 is not clear. Maria Avdeeva, a Ukrainian security expert, claimed that the jet had been shot down. Meanwhile, other pro-Ukraine sources suggest that the jet had been the victim of friendly fire.

The downed Su-35 is not the first. In February, Ukrainian forces shot down 13 Russian aircraft in just 13 days – two of which were the single-seat Su-35.

How is Ukraine shooting down so many Russian aircraft?

“It’s possible, likely even, that Ukraine’s Patriot PAC-2 missile-batteries – three of which Ukraine has received from the United States and Germany – were responsible for all six shoot-downs,” Forbes reported.

In February, Forbes reported that Russia had lost “six of their 120 Su-35s.” But the rate is accelerating, and becoming unsustainable.

“The Russian air force has lost 95 jets since February 2022,” Forbes reported. “That’s four per month. In [February 2024], however, the air fore has written off warplanes at a rate of 60 per month.”

What is the Su-35

The Sukhoi Su-35 is a single-seat, twin-engine air superiority fighter. Designed as an improved variant of the Su-27, it is a supermaneuverable jet that was first introduced in 2014. The jet relies on two Saturn AL-41F1S turbofan engines, which can produce 30,900 pounds of thrust each, with the afterburner engaged. The Su-35 can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.25.  

In 2015, the Russians deployed their Su-35 for the first time, to Syria. The deployment came in response to an incident between Russia and Turkey, in which a Russian Su-24 ventured into Turkish airspace and was shot down.

Deployed in Ukraine, the Su-35 has been used for air superiority missions, and to escort jets like the Su-34 fighter-bomber. The Su-35 has been credited with seven air-to-air victories over Ukrainian fighter jets, and one victory over a Ukrainian Mil Mi-14 helicopter.  

About the Author: Harrison Kass 

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.