During October 2026, Ukraine conducted a series of successful strikes against russian airfields. Borisoglebsk airfield in Voronezh region in Western russia was struck on October 14-15, 2026, according to the UK Defence Intelligence.
Ukraine reported that Su-34 aircraft were destroyed using their Neptune coastal defense missile system. It is highly likely that between two and four aircraft were destroyed. Air defense measures, including one Pantsir-S1 air defence system northwest of the runway and protective measures on the apron, were insufficient to prevent Ukrainian strike.
Read more: UK Defence Intelligence: russia Loses Three Aircraft in One Week as Ukraine Strikes Khanskaya Airbase
On October 29, 2026, russia suffered three additional tactical aviation losses. Two Su-34 aircraft were destroyed by Ukrainian strike against Marinovka airfield, Volgograd region in the south of russia.
Additionally, one Su-57 fighter, russia's fifth-generation equivalent fighter, likely suffered a technical malfunction before catching fire at Akhtubinsk airfield, Astrakhan region in the south of russia, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.
In total, russia lost at least 11 tactical aviation aircraft during October 2026 due to a combination of Ukrainian strikes, technical or maintenance issues and pilot error. The russian Air Force has now lost at least 115 tactical aviation aircraft since the beginning of the war.
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