Ukraine announced Thursday that it struck six Russian Su-34M fighter-bombers in a nighttime attack on the Borisoglebsk airbase in Russia's Voronezh region. The aircraft are used by Moscow to strike Ukrainian positions and settlements near the front lines with guided aerial bombs.
According to the Ukrainian navy, the strike was carried out overnight between Wednesday and Thursday using Ukraine's domestically produced Neptune coastal missile system. The military claimed all six aircraft were damaged, along with technical equipment supporting air operations at the base. Significant fires and additional explosions were reported at the facility.
The potential significance of the strike lies in the role these aircraft play in Russia's offensive operations. Su-34M jets can carry multiple guided bombs and explosive munitions in a single mission, alongside various missile types. Russia uses them regularly to attack Ukrainian forces and strike settlements near the front. Hitting several aircraft of this type could reduce Moscow's ability to deploy air power in certain sectors.
The Borisoglebsk base serves as a training center and facility linked to Russian air force units. Euromaidan Press, citing Ukrainian sources, reported that at one point in 2026 the base functioned as a transit station for refueling and arming aircraft heading out to strike Ukraine.
The facility has been targeted by Ukrainian strikes before: in July 2026, the base was attacked with drones, and according to reports published afterward, a fuel storage facility was damaged. The pilot training center at the base was also struck in July 2025.
