UK Ministry of Defense: Russia 'Highly Likely' Shot Down Its Own Fighter

Russia has lost around 90 fixed-wing aircraft since the start of its invasion of Ukraine, according to British defense officials.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, October 05, 2023 at 04:38 PM ET

Verified

Russian Air Force twin engine Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker fighter bomber war plane flying aerial detail exterior view. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

A Russian Su-35S fighter jet was likely shot down by its own forces over Tokmak, Ukraine, according to British intelligence.
This incident marks only the fifth loss of Russia's advanced Su-35S combat jet since the invasion began, out of approximately 90 fixed-wing aircraft lost.
The Su-35S is Russia's most advanced combat jet in widespread service, known for its speed and agility, and designed to counter Western counterparts like the F-16.
The jet was downed near Tokmak, a heavily fortified town 20 km behind the front line, which often hosts Russian headquarters.

See a mistake? Contact us.

A Russian Su-35S Flanker fighter jet was recently shot down over a highly contested area of Ukraine, likely brought down by Russian forces, according to British intelligence officials.

“On 28 September 2023, Russian air defence forces highly likely shot down one of their of Su-35S FLANKER M multi-role combat jets over Tokmak, approximately 20 km behind the current front line,” the U.K. Ministry of Defense said Wednesday in a message on X, formerly known as Twitter.