Ukrainian Navy: Russia loses Su-30SM fighter jet near Zmiinyi Island

A Russian Su-30SM fighter jet may have crashed near Zmiinyi Island. The enemy has lost contact with the pilots, according to the Ukrainian Navy on Telegram, Report informs via RBC-Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Navy’s intelligence units intercepted radio communications indicating a loss of contact with a Su-30SM, which was carrying out a mission southeast of Zmiinyi Island.

"The aircraft likely crashed for unknown reasons," the military clarified.

Currently, the Russian forces are conducting a search and rescue operation. Wreckage of the plane has been found at sea, but the pilots have not been located.

The Su-30SM fighter is a Russian two-seat, fourth-generation, multi-role heavy fighter. It is designed to gain air superiority and destroy aerial, ground, and naval targets.

The aircraft is equipped with two turbofan engines with thrust-vectoring capability. Its maximum speed reaches 2,125 km/h, and its service ceiling is 17,300 m. The combat radius is up to 1,500 km, and the maximum takeoff weight is 34,500 kg.

The cost of the aircraft is approximately $50 million.

Notably, on April 24, the Defense Intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported that a Su-30SM fighter burned at the Rostov-on-Don Central airfield.

The Ukrainian military intelligence did not disclose details of the operation at that time.