On June 13, AFU StratCom released video footage showing an incident in which one russian Su-25 ground attack aircraft unintentionally struck another during a joint air operation. The event reportedly occurred during an attempted strike on Ukrainian positions in Donetsk region using unguided aerial rockets.
According to the report, a pair of russian Su-25 aircraft were conducting a maneuver used to launch unguided rockets while maintaining a degree of distance from enemy air defenses. However, during this maneuver, one of the aircraft's rockets veered off course and struck the other jet flying in close formation.
Read more: Ukrainian MiG-29 Aircraft Conducts Precision Strike on russian UAV Command Post in Zaporizhzhia Region
The rocket hit the lead Su-25 aircraft, causing critical damage. The pilot of the damaged aircraft managed to eject in time and survive, but the aircraft itself was destroyed upon impact with the ground. The full extent of the pilot's injuries, if any, remains unknown.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges the russian Air Force faces in executing complex low-altitude missions with unguided munitions. Unlike precision-guided weapons, unguided rockets require closer proximity to targets and precise coordination between aircraft, increasing the risks of friendly fire and accidents.
The Su-25, a Soviet-era close air support aircraft, is heavily used by russia in its war against Ukraine, often in pairs or small groups to attack front-line positions. However, its reliance on outdated targeting systems and unguided munitions makes such operations inherently dangerous, especially when flying in close proximity.
Ukraine has frequently reported technical failures, friendly fire incidents, and poor coordination within russian aviation units. This latest mishap adds to a growing list of operational errors.
As Defense Express previously reported, in a recent operation in the Zaporizhzhia direction, the Ukrainian Air Force conducted a precision strike using guided aerial bombs, targeting russian drone command center. The strike was carried out by the MiG-29 fighter jet, showcasing the growing role of legacy Soviet-era platforms modernized for precision strike missions.
According to the Air Force, the first guided bomb accurately hit the enemy's UAV control post. These locations are key elements in the russian command structure, responsible for coordinating reconnaissance and attack drone missions across the frontline.
Read more: Ukrainian Aircraft Pulverized Location of a russian Military Unit
