Asger Risom
Valuable aircraft destroyed during drone defense mission amid ongoing air fleet depletion
Ukraine’s already strained air force has suffered another setback. On April 28, 2025, Ukrainian authorities confirmed the loss of a Su-27 fighter jet, marking another blow to the country’s critical but aging fleet.
Irreplaceable Loss for Ukraine
The Su-27 was likely destroyed while defending against Russian drone attacks, according to WP Tech.
Fortunately, the pilot managed to eject safely and survived the incident. However, the aircraft’s loss is significant, as Ukraine cannot easily replace Su-27s — these Soviet-era jets are not operated by Western countries providing military aid.
Unlike MiG-29s or F-16s, which Ukraine can still receive through international support, Su-27 losses represent permanent reductions.
Earlier this year, on February 2, another Su-27 was downed by a Russian MiG-31 using a long-range R-37M missile. Before the war, Ukraine had about 30 operational Su-27s, but confirmed losses now exceed 17, with others likely grounded due to maintenance issues.
Importance of the Su-27 on the Modern Battlefield
Despite their age, Su-27 fighters remain highly valued in Ukraine’s defense strategy.
Originally designed as air superiority fighters, Su-27s are capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 2.35 (around 2,500 km/h) and can carry approximately six tons of armament.
Thanks to ad-hoc upgrades, Ukrainian Su-27s can now deploy Western weaponry, including AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles and guided bombs, making them more versatile than many other Ukrainian aircraft. However, today their primary role has shifted. Rather than engaging in air-to-air combat or ground attacks, Su-27s mainly support air defense operations, particularly targeting Russian drones using short-range missiles or onboard cannons.
The Su-27 lost on April 28 was likely engaged in such a mission, underlining the high risks faced by Ukrainian pilots defending against relentless unmanned aerial threats.