The mutual sanctions and air restrictions resulting either in cancellation or rerouting of flights, increase in ticket prices, issues with titanium sourcing, and higher fuel costs: the Russia and Ukraine war has had a huge impact on the aviation industry among other economic issues. Along with this, the war halted aircraft deliveries to Russia and pressured Russian titanium supplies. The crisis has increased complexity and operating costs for airlines and the aviation industry. After the war, restoring Ukraine’s air connectivity hinges on rebuilding destroyed aviation infrastructure.
According to Ian Petchenik from flight tracking service FlightRadar24, “this war will have a severe impact on the aviation sector.” From hike in prices to heartbreaking loss of Antonov Mriya, the aviation industry suffered a critical knockdown as a result of ongoing war among Russia and Ukraine governments and civilians. Let’s explore some other bewitching aircrafts which got caught up amidst the Russia-Ukraine war.
1. Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29
One of the beautiful aircraft that suffered heavy losses during the Ukrainian-Russian conflict is the Mikoyan MiG-29. A twin-engine supersonic fighter, this aircraft is known for its streamlined aerodynamic design. The triangular shape with those sharp lines is appealing to the eyes and a unique attempt at its formation. This aircraft was operated for air defense which turned out to be pivotal in intercepting attack airliners and enemy jets.
The MiG-29 played a crucial role in the conflict as one of Ukraine’s main fighters for air supremacy. Facing several losses during the war, Mikoyan MiG-29 suffered many heavy attacks, including notable incidents involving air-to-air shootings over the Kyiv region. Despite the losses, the MiG-29 demonstrated excellent combat capability and versatility throughout the battle.
On March 13, a MiG-29, piloted by Major Stepan Tarabalka, was shot down. Finally, on March 23, Major Dmitriy Chumachenko’s MiG-29 was shot down in an unequal air battle near Tyrgorye, Zhytomyr. Overall, 38 Ukrainian MiG-29, in total, have experienced fatal blows to their life, according to different media outlets, among which 2 were reported to have non-life threatening damages.
2. Sukhoi Su-25 Grach
The Su-25 is an attack aircraft with a unique design and aesthetic appeal. This subsonic aircraft has a robust and muscular appearance due to its twin-engine configuration, high wings, and unique double-tapering wings. Its rugged design mirrors its role as a heavily armored and durable aircraft.
Before the war, the Su-25 was designed primarily for close air support and fighting armored vehicles. It is designed to operate in difficult conditions and provide accurate strikes against ground targets. Grach’s versatility and combat capabilities make it a highly effective fighter. It excels at air superiority missions and interceptions.
During the conflict, both nations, Ukraine and Russia, had many Su-25 casualties. In Kyiv, a Su-25 aircraft with the identification “Yellow 28” from the 266th AAR was shot down, presumably in February or March. Another Su-25SM aircraft, known as “Red-12” (RF-93027) from the 18th AAR, was found destroyed near Babinci in Kyiv during the same period.
Col. Ruslan Rudnev, who piloted a Su-25SM, was reported killed in action on March 1, according to his obituary. Additionally, a Su-25SM marked as “Red 04” (RF-91958) was downed near Chernihiv, and although the pilot successfully ejected, they sadly lost their life on the ground.
3. Sukhoi Su-27
Bright and iconic fighter, the Su-27 has an elegant design featuring large swept wings, two vertical stabilizers, and powerful engines. Its aerodynamic shape and aggressive stance make it a formidable combatant in the sky. The aircraft’s versatility and combat capabilities make it a highly effective fighter. It excels at air superiority missions, dogfights, and interceptions.
Thanks to advanced avionics and powerful engines, the Su-27 is renowned for its impressive maneuverability, high speed, and range. On February 25, two Ukrainian Su-25 aircraft were reportedly intercepted by Russian fighters while on a mission to target a bridge over the Pripyat River. During the engagement, Lt. Col. Gennady Motulyak, flying in aircraft “N39,” was shot down. However, his wingman continued the mission and successfully struck the intended target.
However, the luck wasn’t in favor of the Su-27 piloted by Col. Aleksandr Oksanchenko. On the same day, that aircraft was allegedly downed over in Kyiv. The incident occurred during a fight with Russian jets, and the Su-27 crashed into a residential building. Also, on February 28, another Su-27 was lost during a defensive mission over Koprivnitsky while engaging Russian fighters.
4. Sukhoi Su-24M
The Su-24M is a powerful tactical bomber packaging an internal 23 mm Gryazev Shipunov G Sh-6-23M rotary canon capable of 500 rounds. The Su-24M has characteristic swept wings and distinctively sharp, streamlined fuselage. The variable-shaped wings allow the aircraft to adapt to different flight conditions, providing excellent low-altitude penetration.
As a tactical bomber, the Su-24M played a decisive role in the conflict such as delivering accurate strikes on enemy targets and carrying out reconnaissance missions. They were used in missions to gather vital information about enemy positions, carefully monitoring the grounds from above 60,000 feet.
Unfortunately, On March 30, a Su-24M aircraft was shot down near Dovybush, located west of Zhitomyr, Ukraine. The aircraft is said to have been hit by a “fighter missile,” resulting in the loss of both crew members aboard. Then, on May 7, a Su-24MR aircraft was downed near Tumeni, Rivne. The incident occurred during an “air battle” while the aircraft was likely on a reconnaissance mission.
5. Aero L-39 Albatross
The Aero L-39 Albatross is a warbird capable of covering 900 km in just an hour that comes at reasonable operating costs as far as a jet is concerned. The L-39 is a Czechoslovakian-made jet trainer aircraft widely used for pilot training purposes.
It has become a popular choice among air forces worldwide for its affordability and reliability successfully aiding in training future war pilots. It is an engineering masterpiece, with delicate lines and an attractive design. Its sleek design and powerful engine exude adventure and freedom.
With its precise maneuvers, this legendary jet trainer captivates pilots, allowing them to dance among the clouds and appreciate the beauty of flight. Given that this is a warcraft, currently in use on the battlefield, the aircraft products have seen their horrifying days too. One such incident includes an L-39 jet trainer piloted by Maj. Dmytro Kolomiyets’, aircraft was shot down by Russian jets while the Major attempted to deflect them from Ukrainian aircraft evacuating from Ozerne airbase in Zhytomyr.