The Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has reported that the coastal missile system "Neptune" struck two Russian Su-34 frontline fighter-bombers stationed at an airfield in Russia's Volgograd Oblast. According to RBC-Ukraine, this information was released in a statement by the Ukrainian Navy amid an ongoing strike campaign targeting Russian aviation assets in the rear.
Details of the Statement: Coordinates and Units
"As a result of the fire strike, 2 Su-34 frontline fighter-bombers were destroyed on the territory of the 11th Mixed Aviation Regiment (Oktyabrsky, Volgograd Oblast) of the 4th Mixed Aviation Division of the 4th Air Force and Air Defense Army," the statement reads. The report initially identifies the Marinovka airfield in the Volgograd Oblast as the deployment site for the targeted aircraft, while the Navy's quote specifies the settlement of Oktyabrsky in the same region.
Why Su-34s Are Considered a Key Platform
The Ukrainian military emphasized that the Su-34 is one of the primary assets of Russian tactical aviation. According to them, these aircraft are actively used to deploy guided aerial bombs (KABs) against Ukrainian cities, Defense Forces positions, and frontline areas, making them a priority target for strikes on rear airfields.
"Neptune" and the Navy's Strike Campaign
The statement also notes that the Ukrainian Navy continues to strike enemy military facilities, reducing Russia's capability to wage war against Ukraine. The use of the "Neptune" complex against ground and aviation targets deep within Russian territory demonstrates an expansion in the geography and range of targets engaged by coastal missile units.
Status of Information
The report on the destruction of two Su-34s is a claim made by the Ukrainian side; at the time of publication, no confirmation or denial had been issued by sources in the Russian Federation. The news illustration depicts an operational Su-34 (featuring its characteristic two-seat fuselage, bluish-turquoise camouflage scheme, red star, and tail number), which matches the type of aircraft mentioned in the Navy's statement.
