Ukraine Targets Russian Fighter-Bombers with Drones

Ukraine is shifting tactics in its conflict with Russia, targeting Russian Sukhoi fighter-bombers on the ground after struggling to shoot them down in the air. In late February and early March, Ukrainian air defenses claimed to have shot down several Russian warplanes, including 11 Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers, two Sukhoi Su-35 fighters, and a Beriev A-50 radar plane in eastern Ukraine.

Now, Ukrainian forces have launched a new approach, using explosive drones to target the remaining Sukhoi aircraft at a major Russian base. In a recent attack on the Russian air base in Morozovsk, located 190 miles west of the front line in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian drones caused explosions and damage around the base, which is home to the 559th Bomber Aviation Regiment. Videos from the area show drones flying overhead and explosions rocking the base, where up to 26 Su-34s and three Su-35s were reportedly parked.

While Kyiv claims to have destroyed six Russian jets, satellite imagery has not confirmed this. Regardless of the actual damage, Ukraine’s strategy is clear: to use its long-range drones to target Russia’s most critical deep-strike systems, the Sukhoi fighter-bombers.

This latest attack is part of a broader campaign by Ukraine, which has targeted Russian oil refineries and even a drone factory. The Su-34s, armed with precision-guided glide-bombs, are crucial in Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These bombs, dropped from long distances, have been devastating in previous battles, including the recent siege of Avdiivka, where Russian forces dropped hundreds of glide-bombs, forcing a Ukrainian retreat.

In an attempt to counter the Russian bombing campaign, Ukraine deployed Patriot air defense batteries close to the front line, targeting Sukhois as they lined up for bombing runs. However, a Russian drone spotted the Patriots, and a Russian rocket destroyed at least two launchers, forcing Ukraine to withdraw its air defenses.

With its Patriot systems compromised, Ukraine is now targeting the Sukhois on the ground, exploiting Russia’s stretched air defenses. While Russia may have been fortunate in the recent drone attack, Ukraine’s continued use of drones suggests that Russia’s luck may soon run out.