The missile hit the tail of the aircraft, although the pilot was able to conduct landing. The russian media reported that the Su-24 (the number RF-93799) was hit nearby Bakhmut in Donetsk oblast.
It is claimed that the aircraft belonged to the Wagner PMC, however the Su-24 has russia’s Air Forces markings, as mil.in.ua reports. The Su-24 bomber got significant damage and was disabled by the MANPADS missile strike and will not be able to participate in combat operations until restoration.
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Previously, the National Guard of Ukraine Command reported that nearby Bakhmut the National Guard servicemen hit a russian jet with the Piorun MANPADS. Possibly, the news was about this Su-24 bomber with the board number RF-93799.
"On February 13, at 6:03 p.m. in the Bakhmut area, the National Guard servicemen struck the enemy Su-24 aircraft that was attacking Ukrainian positions and populated areas. By means of the Piorun MANPADS, the enemy aircraft was hit. The guys got the target with the first shot," the report said.
The Piorun MANPADS is produced in Poland. It’s a deep modernization of the Grom complexe produced by Polish Mesko company. After the MANPADS modernization, the sensitivity of the infrared homing head was increased four times.
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