Unprecedented Achievement for the Air Force of Ukraine

In recent weeks, Russia has made significant progress on the battlefield in Ukraine, capturing a number of villages and territories previously controlled by the Ukrainian army. However, since the start of 2024, Ukraine has seen unprecedented success in aerial combat against Russia. In the past two weeks alone, the Ukrainian Air Force has shot down a total of 14 Russian aircraft, mainly fighter jets, bringing the yearly total to 17.

On Tuesday, Mykola Oleschuk, commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, announced the takedown of a Russian SU-34 fighter jet. In the past weeks, the Ukrainian forces have primarily targeted SU-34 fighter jets, but have also taken down at least two advanced SU-35 model aircraft.

Today, in the Southern direction – minus two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35! ✈️✈️✈️ pic.twitter.com/wbI7ctzB6O

— Ukrainian Air Force (@KpsZSU) February 17, 2024

Ukraine’s success has not been limited to fighter jets, it has also managed to shoot down two highly advanced Russian A-50 jets, which are crucial for the Russian Air Force’s command and control. These jets play a significant role in managing combat operations in the air, sea, and land, as well as gathering real-time intelligence on enemy targets.

The Ukrainian Air Force officially confirmed the downing of these two advanced A-50 aircraft on January 15 and February 23. Given that Russia only has a few of these planes, their loss is a significant blow to Russia’s intelligence and battle management capabilities.

Anything at all pic.twitter.com/SXJ8sOhcfr

— Ukrainian Air Force (@KpsZSU) February 23, 2024

Recent reports from British intelligence suggest that Russia may have grounded its A-50 fleet following the loss of these two planes, potentially increasing the vulnerability of its forces on the battlefield. The grounding of these planes may also be contributing to Ukraine’s success in targeting Russian fighter jets.

The ongoing crisis highlights Ukraine’s strategic success in aerial combat, despite dealing with constant missile and UAV attacks on its cities over the past two years. This experience has likely improved the skills and capabilities of the Ukrainian air defense fighters.

This success provides a morale boost for Ukraine at a time when efforts to secure additional security aid from the American Congress have stalled. Britain’s defense minister, Grant Shapps, has praised Ukraine’s efforts, stating that “when Ukraine gets what it needs – it wins.”