Ukraine's strategic downings: A closer look at the Su‑25's losses
The Ukrainian army reports shooting down another Russian Su-25 aircraft in the Donetsk region. This marks the third aircraft lost in a week. We delve into the capabilities of these ground support aircraft.
The total aircraft losses on the Russian side are estimated at approximately 350 units. The Ukrainians continue to report further losses over a short period. This time, similar to recent events, the defending army eliminated a Su-25, according to the Ukrainian agency Unian.
Russia loses another aircraft
As military analyst Oleksiy Hetman recently assessed, the Russian Federation Army currently has just under 200 Su-25 aircraft. This number is steadily decreasing, primarily due to the effective targeting of these machines. The Su-25 was developed as a ground attack aircraft for frontline combat, known for its relatively moderate performance compared to air superiority fighters.
This situation renders the Su-25 a valuable asset for the Ukrainians in supporting ground forces from the air and an easier target. A machine that operates at a maximum altitude of around 23,000 feet and a speed below 950 km/h (about 590 mph) is much simpler to shoot down than more prominent fighters, which operate at higher altitudes and fly at supersonic speeds.
Online comments also suggest that by taking down more Su-25s, the Ukrainians are gearing up to incorporate F-16s into their forces. Nevertheless, it's crucial to recognize that due to the distinct specifications of each, the Su-25 does not directly compete with the F-16 in aerial engagements.
Aircraft for air support of troops
The history of the Su-25 began in the 1970s. Its inaugural flight occurred in 1975, and three years later, the Russians commenced mass production. The Su-25 was never intended to claim air superiority; it was designed with a different role in mind.
Spanning over 15 meters (49 feet) in length, the Su-25 weighs 10,000 kg (around 22,046 pounds) and can carry about 4,300 kg (approximately 9,468 pounds) of ammunition across 10 underwing hardpoints. Its primary armament is the GSh-30-2 30 mm cannon. The capabilities above, namely, a maximum speed of about 950 km/h (590 mph) and an altitude limit of 23,000 feet, underline the Su-25's designated role. The aircraft must operate at relatively low altitudes and within a short distance of allied bases – a requirement emerging from the basic version of the Su-25's range, estimated at roughly 500 km (about 310 miles). Within this range from the airfield, the Russian aircraft can play a significant role in bolstering the combat effectiveness of infantry and mechanized units.
