In late February and early March, Ukrainian air defenses shot down several Russian warplanes in eastern Ukraine, including Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers, Sukhoi Su-35 fighters, and a Beriev A-50 radar plane. Despite these losses, the Russian air force continued their operations, prompting Ukraine to target around 200 Sukhoi aircraft parked at one of their biggest bases in Morozovsk, Russia, using explosive drones in a one-way attack.
The attack on Morozovsk resulted in videos depicting drones overhead and explosions rocking the base. While Kyiv claims to have destroyed six Russian jets, satellite imagery is inconclusive. The Ukrainian strategy is part of a campaign targeting Russian deep-strike systems, including oil refineries and a drone factory. The goal is to neutralize the Sukhoi fighter-bombers that are crucial to Russia’s operations in the wider war on Ukraine.
Sukhoi Su-34s dropping precision-guided glide-bombs play a key role in Russia’s offensive capabilities, particularly evident during the Avdiivka glide-bombing campaign that overwhelmed Ukrainian forces in February. The high number of KAB bombs being dropped daily has forced Ukraine to take drastic measures, including deploying a Patriot air defense battery near the front line, resulting in several successful downings of Russian Sukhois.
The United States, a major aid provider to Ukraine, has not offered further war funding since October, creating challenges for Ukraine in maintaining air defense capabilities. After the loss of Patriot launchers and crews to a Russian rocket attack, Ukraine pulled back its air defenses, allowing Russia to resume their glide-bombing campaign. In response, Ukraine has shifted its tactics to targeting Russian bombers while they are on the ground using long-range drones.
Russian air defenses are faced with the challenge of protecting front-line units as well as numerous critical assets like oil refineries and arms factories. The recent drone raid on Morozovsk may not have resulted in the destruction of Sukhois, but continued attacks are likely. As Ukraine escalates its deep-strike initiatives with drones, Russia will face increasing pressure to defend against these attacks. With US support limited, Ukraine’s resourcefulness in targeting vital Russian assets highlights the complexity and risks of the ongoing conflict.
