Russian Armed Forces downed one of their own Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets over Crimea on Thursday, according to Ukrainian officials. The incident occurred when a Russian warplane crashed off the Crimean coast. The pilot ejected safely and was rescued.
Ukraine's Navy spokesman confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the Russian Federation and was destroyed by their own forces. The spokesman suggested that the incident was due to a 'human factor,' with an operator mistakenly targeting the aircraft without verifying its identity.
Various Russian Telegram channels shared footage of the fighter jet burning as it fell. Reports from these channels indicated that the plane may have been accidentally shot down by Russian forces or hit by anti-aircraft weapons.
Additionally, there were speculations that the fighter jet could have been a victim of 'friendly fire' from Russian air defense systems. The exact cause of the incident is yet to be officially confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Recent military actions in the region have seen heightened tensions, with a Ukrainian missile raid targeting Russian landing ships and the Belbek Air Base. This attack resulted in the destruction of one Su-27 fighter jet and damage to two others.
Russia's Air Force has faced significant losses in recent months, with multiple warplanes, including Su-34 fighter bombers, Su-35 fighter jets, and A-50 military spy planes, being lost in combat operations.
