Two possible scenarios for downing of Russian Su-35 over Kursk region — aviation expert

Aviation expert Bohdan Dolintse, a member of the public council at the State Aviation Service, said this on Espreso TV.

"The Su-35 is one of Russia’s most advanced 4++ generation multirole fighter jets. The Russians use these aircraft either as carriers of guided bombs or to launch air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles. Before the full-scale war, Russia had around 120 of these jets; today, estimates suggest about 80 remain. As for the Su-35 downed in Kursk on June 7, this could have happened in one of two ways. The first involves an air-to-air missile launched, for example, from an F-16, a Mirage, or another Soviet-made Ukrainian aircraft. The second involves surface-to-air missiles from systems like Patriot, NASAMS, or SAMP/T," the aviation expert commented.

According to him, since the Su-35 was destroyed in Russian airspace, it was most likely hit by an air-to-air missile. It was probably launched from one of the Western aircraft Ukraine has received. For instance, the F-16 is equipped with a radar capable of detecting and tracking targets at distances up to 160 km. Ukraine may have received air-to-air missiles with a range of 115–120 km, but Western partners also possess longer-range missiles — up to 150 km or more. It’s possible that the Su-35 was taken down using such an air-to-air missile.

“Russian Su-aircraft usually do not enter the Ukrainian air defense zone. Air defense systems stay at a distance from the frontline and borders to avoid becoming targets. There is a certain zone, 35-50 km from the frontline toward the Russian army or from the border deep into Russia, where there is a risk of aircraft being shot down by air defense systems. If a shootdown happens deeper inside, it may indicate the use of fighter jets. Recently, it was reported that Ukraine will be connected to the Link 16 system, which allows real-time information exchange between aircraft as well as between ground air defenses and aircraft. This makes the F-16s more stealthy to enemies because they can operate with their onboard radar off, launching missiles from the aircraft while target tracking and engagement is handled by ground air defense systems,” Dolintse explained.

• On Saturday morning, June 7, the Ukrainian Defense Forces shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet in the Kursk direction.