Russian Su‑30SM fighter jet destroyed by fire in Rostov-On-Don
A Su-30SM multirole fighter jet has been destroyed by fire in Russia. According to the United24 Media portal, the aircraft was set alight by pro-Ukrainian saboteurs. The plane had been stationed in Rostov-on-Don for several years.
As reported by Ukrainian military intelligence, a Russian Su-30SM aircraft with the side number 35 was burned at the Centralny air base in Rostov-on-Don. The condition of the aircraft prior to the incident is unknown. Archival photos available on Google Earth indicate that this type of plane had been present at the base since at least 2021.
Russian Su-30SM burned at the airport
Satellite images from 24 April 2025 show evidence of the fire at the location where the Su-30SM was stationed.
Historical satellite photos might suggest that the Russian fighter has not flown for several years, although this cannot be confirmed with absolute certainty. It also cannot be ruled out that the unit served as a "donor" of parts for potential repairs of other planes of this type. This would not be surprising given the known cases of cannibalisation in the Russian Federation's arsenal, resulting from difficulties in obtaining new spare parts and components for service.
The Su-30SM is one of the most advanced combat aircraft in Russia's arsenal, featuring an impressive operational range of about 3,000 kilometres and the ability to operate at altitudes of up to 17,500 metres. This aircraft, with a length of nearly 22 metres, is designed to effectively destroy targets both in the air, and on land and sea. It is equipped with a standard aircraft cannon and twelve pylons capable of carrying additional armaments weighing up to 8,000 kilograms. The Su-30SM is capable of carrying various missiles such as R-73, S-8, or Ch-25, as well as guided bombs.
