Russian propagandists have been vocal about the downing of a Su-34 fighter jet, which they claim was shot down by an F-16.
Targets Ukrainian Infrastructure
This incident has brought to light one of the most pressing issues facing the Russian military: significant losses in their air force.
The Su-34, a tactical bomber developed in the 1990s, plays a crucial role in Russia's operations in Ukraine, and its systematic downing raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of Russian aviation, according to WP.
Geopolitical analyst Irina Zuckerman commented that while Russia is officially on the offensive in Ukraine, the loss of the Su-34 can be viewed as a failure, particularly since these aircraft are instrumental in targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.
35 Aircraft Destroyed
With a length of over 23 meters and capable of speeds up to 1,190 miles per hour (1,900 kilometers per hour), the Su-34 has been a key asset for the Russian military. Its operational range of 2,485 miles (4,000 kilometers) and ability to carry guided bombs have made it a formidable opponent in the conflict.
However, the war has not been kind to the Su-34 fleet. Analysts report that over 35 of these aircraft have been destroyed, which accounts for nearly one-fourth of Russia's pre-war inventory. These losses outpace the production of new planes, raising questions about the sustainability of Russia's air operations.
The latest Su-34 loss occurred on October 12. While there is speculation that it was downed by an F-16, confirmation of this has not been established
Nevertheless, Russian state media has seized this narrative to fuel anti-Ukrainian and anti-American sentiment. The Kremlin-aligned propagandists are leveraging the F-16 mention to criticize U.S. support for Ukraine, portraying the country as merely a puppet of Western intelligence agencies like the CIA and MI6.
