MOSCOW, Russia — A Russian Su-35S fighter pilot destroyed two Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft during a single air engagement, according to Sergey Kobylash, commander of the Russian Air Force and deputy commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Kobylash described the incident in an interview with Krasnaya Zvezda published around the 114th anniversary of the Russian Air Force on August 12. Russian media, including Izvestia, subsequently reported his account.
According to Kobylash, the young pilot was conducting a combat air patrol to provide cover for an advancing group of Russian ground forces. After reaching the assigned area, he used the Su-35S's onboard radar to search for airborne targets.
Despite electronic jamming by Ukrainian forces, the pilot detected two Ukrainian Su-27 fighters. Kobylash said the pilot decided to engage even though he was facing two aircraft.
During the engagement, the Su-35S pilot carried out a manoeuvre to obtain a more favourable tactical position and then launched three guided air-to-air missiles. Kobylash said both Ukrainian Su-27s were destroyed.
The Russian commander did not provide the exact date or location of the engagement, and the name of the pilot was not disclosed. Ukrainian sources have not publicly confirmed the loss of the two Su-27s in connection with this particular account.
Kobylash presented the incident as an example of Russian air operations during the ongoing conflict. He also referred to the continued effectiveness of Russian army aviation helicopters under current combat conditions.
The account is based on statements made by the Russian Air Force commander in the Krasnaya Zvezda interview and subsequent Russian media reports.
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