The Ukrainian Navy said on Thursday, October 15, that in a night-time attack with Neptune missiles on Borisoglebsk airfield in Voronezh Oblast, six Russian Su-34M bombers were destroyed. President Zelensky said four aircraft had been destroyed and two more damaged; Russia has not confirmed the attack on the base.
According to the Navy’s statement, quoted by Ukrinform, the strike also destroyed technical equipment used to support flight operations, and secondary detonations and a fire were recorded on the airfield. The attack was carried out in the night of October 14 to 15 using the Neptune coastal missile system.
Differing figures in Ukrainian statements
Volodymyr Zelensky described the effects more cautiously than the Navy. He wrote that in the attack on the airfield in Voronezh Oblast, four Su-34 aircraft were destroyed and two more hit. He added that the aircraft were ready for new strikes on Ukraine and had aerial bombs suspended under them.
As reported by Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed that all six Su-34M were damaged to varying degrees. The statements share the figure of six aircraft, but the extent of the damage is described differently: from “destroyed” to “damaged to varying degrees”.
Russia's response
According to The Moscow Times, Russian authorities have not acknowledged that the airfield was attacked. Voronezh Oblast Governor Aleksandr Gusev only reported shooting down 33 drones and “several jet-powered aerial targets”, and debris damaged buildings and a car in Voronezh. Residents of Borisoglebsk reportedly described explosions and a large fire.
Significance of the Su-34
The Su-34 is a Russian frontline aircraft, used in practice as a bomber. According to the Ukrainian Navy, it is one of the key means of bombing Ukrainian positions and settlements near the front with guided bombs. According to the Portal Obronny, citing Oryx data, Russia has so far lost 44 aircraft of this type; Su-35S and Su-30SM jets are also stationed at the airfield.
The attack is part of a series of Ukrainian strikes on targets in Russia.
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