Six Russian Su-34M fighter-bombers were reportedly hit during a Ukrainian Neptune missile strike on the Borisoglebsk military airfield in Russia’s Voronezh region overnight on October 15.
The operation was carried out by the Ukrainian Navy using the Ukrainian-developed Neptune coastal missile system, according to the service's official statement.
In addition to the aircraft, the strike reportedly damaged technical equipment used to support aviation operations. Secondary explosions and a fire were recorded at the airfield following the attack.
The Ukrainian military said the full extent of the damage was still being assessed.
The Su-34M is a modernised version of Russia’s Su-34 fighter-bomber, capable of carrying multiple guided and unguided aerial bombs, as well as various types of missiles.
Russian forces regularly use these aircraft to launch guided aerial bombs against Ukrainian military positions and frontline settlements.
The Ukrainian Navy said damaging six Su-34M aircraft could significantly reduce Russia’s tactical aviation capabilities and limit the intensity of air operations in affected sectors of the front.
The reported damage to the aircraft has not been independently verified.
