Russian troops in Zaporizhzhia Oblast landed their own Su-35S FLANKER M fighter jet over Tokmak, said UK Intelligence in its new update.
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 04 October 2023.
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The city which is often called a door to Melitopol that will eventually lead to the de-occupation of Crimea is located approximately 20km behind the current front line.
“Although Russia has lost around 90 fixed-wing aircraft since the start of the invasion, this is probably only the fifth loss of a Su-35S, Russia’s most advanced combat jet in widespread service,” the report said.
The Intelligence added that the location is relevant “because Tokmak is a heavily fortified town which often hosts Russian headquarters commanding one of the most intensely contested sectors of the front line.”
“These headquarters would typically be protected with dedicated short- and medium-range air defense systems. These are almost certainly held at very high readiness, as Ukraine continues to conduct effective deep strikes against such locations,” the report revealed.
The Su-35 is a Russian air superiority fighter, having a secondary air-to-ground capability. Russia widely uses this type of aircraft against Ukrainian troops and civilian infrastructure. Lately, the Su-35s are known for launching gliding bombs to hit Ukrainian settlements near the frontline.
Blue on blue: Russian anti-air troops down own Su-35 fighter jet, killing pilot
Earlier, Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov said Russia was setting up a newly fortified area to the north of Tokmak in case of a major breakthrough of Ukrainian troops on the southern front.
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