An advanced Russian Sukhoi Su-35S fighter jet was lost over the weekend in eastern Ukraine, footage on social media showed.
The aircraft is an advanced version of the “Flanker” and would be used by the Russian Air Force in SEAD (Suppression Enemy Air Defenses) missions.
The Su-35S is a single-seat fighter jet equipped with wingtip ECM pods, stabilizer heat shields and anti-radar paint, AESA Irbis-E radar, IRST (Infra-Red Search and Track), R missiles. -37M and a radar jamming system.
According to analysts, the fighter could be on a mission aimed at destroying air defense systems on the ground, which would explain the possible wreckage of a Kh-31 anti-radiation missile at the site.
The pilot reportedly ejected safely and was captured by Ukraine’s armed forces, who claim to have shot down the fighter.
