By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a joint operation, Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU), Armed Forces, and Special Operations Forces successfully targeted the Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast, resulting in the destruction of two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and damage to two others. Long-range drones were employed in the attack, which also ignited a fire in the airfield’s technical maintenance area, a key location for aircraft preparation and repairs. The General Staff noted that Su-34s are the primary tactical aircraft used by Russia for strikes on Ukrainian positions and civilian areas, often equipped with guided aerial bombs.
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Ukrainian long-range drones destroy two Su-34 jets and damage two others in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast at Marinovka airfield. Now, that’s the kind of news that gets your attention. It’s a clear demonstration of the ongoing war’s intensity, and it also makes you think about the ever-evolving nature of modern warfare. It shows a remarkable shift in the balance of power on the battlefield, even if it’s just a single event.
The fact that Ukraine is able to reach deep into Russian territory and inflict this kind of damage is a testament to their ingenuity and determination. These long-range drone strikes are hitting the Russians where it hurts – their expensive, sophisticated aircraft, and at their own airfields. Seeing these jets go up in smoke, with no lives lost to the Ukrainians is incredibly impactful. It’s not just about the loss of material, but the logistical nightmare it creates for the Russian forces. It is a great reminder that no one is safe.
We’re talking about the Su-34, a multi-role strike fighter designed for various missions. Losing two of these jets, and damaging two more, is a significant blow. These aircraft represent a substantial investment and a critical part of Russia’s air power. This is something that can’t be easily replaced.
The attack’s location, Marinovka airfield in Volgograd Oblast, is also worth noting. It indicates the depth of Ukraine’s reach and the operational effectiveness of their long-range capabilities. It’s a bold move, signaling a clear message to Russia that no location is truly safe from Ukrainian strikes.
The success of these drone strikes also brings up the effectiveness of Ukraine’s military strategy overall. The fact that they can accomplish such a feat means that they are very good at planning and executing these operations. The success is especially noticeable because it is a result of using inexpensive, effective equipment.
It also serves as a reminder of Russia’s vulnerabilities. They clearly have issues protecting their assets. The lack of hardened aircraft shelters is a significant weakness, leaving their planes exposed to attacks. The fact that a relatively low-cost technology like drones can inflict such damage speaks volumes about Russia’s defensive shortcomings. It highlights the importance of adaptable tactics in modern warfare.
The conversation naturally brings up the status of other Russian aircraft, like the A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft. They only have a few of these remaining, and they are crucial for coordinating Russian air operations. It’s only natural to consider whether these will be targeted next. It would be a crippling blow to their ability to direct air power, making life much harder for the remaining aircraft.
There’s also the discussion of glide bombs, a weapon that was widely used by Russia earlier in the conflict. There is a suspicion that their usage has waned either due to countered effectiveness or fewer available. While their use may have decreased, it’s important to remember that they are still deployed and still pose a threat.
The discussion moves onto the question of whether fighter jets are truly the “crown jewels” of advanced militaries. It makes you wonder if the definition of “advanced” needs a reassessment, given that they can be taken out by relatively cheap drones. It makes you think of the F-35, and the question of whether any enemy weapons have taken one down.
The article brings up creative options to damage aircraft. It suggests an idea of using anti-material rifles against aircrafts and radars. Using remote controlled devices might increase the operator’s chances of survival. This highlights another facet of modern warfare, the importance of asymmetric tactics and innovative approaches. This also might force Russia to store their aircraft inside hangers, making their turnaround time for operations longer and causing a decrease in efficiency.
The comments also suggest that they may have some electronic countermeasures, which might explain the recent decrease in their use. It seems the war will continue to develop and advance with new technologies and tactics.