The incident has aroused the attention of experts and defense fans, who seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the event.
The Patriot system shot down Russian planes.
The Ukrainian Air Force shared a video showing a Patriot battery displaying images of two Russian fighters and three Russian helicopters along with the date “May 13.” This presentation aroused curiosity about the possibility that this defense system was involved in the crash of at least four Russian military planes that occurred on that day.
The crash of the aircraft occurred on Russian territory, specifically in the Briansk region, similar to the Ukrainian Chernihiv Oblast. According to the information available, the wrecked vehicles include two Mi-8 helicopters and the Su-34 and Su-35S fighter jets, all of Russian origin.
The video was released on the Day of the Anti-Aircraft Missile Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a commemorative date celebrating the achievements of its military personnel.
Speculations about shooting down Russian aircraft by Patriot system
Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Colonel Yuri Ihnat added more mystery to the situation by hinting that a third helicopter may have been shot down. He even proposed that the Russians might have mistakenly shot down their own aircraft.
This new information raises a number of questions about the crash of the Russian aircraft, in particular about what air defense system could have caused the incident. The evidence seems to point to the Patriot air defense system, although there is no official confirmation in this regard.
The incident has aroused the attention of experts and defense fans, who seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the event. Although the video recently released by the Ukrainian Air Force points to the possible involvement of the Patriot air defense system, the lack of official information leaves speculation open.
The Russian Air Force has not issued any official statement on the incident, leaving the situation uncertain. However, the aircraft’s loss and the Patriot system’s possible involvement in its crash has marked a new dynamic in air defense events.
Incidences of Air Combat and Technology in Game
In a high-profile incident, two Russian Mi-8 helicopters were shot down. One of them is suspected to be a Mi-8MTPR-1 model fitted with Rychag-AV radar jamming equipment, and the other is possibly a search and rescue aircraft.
At the same time, two Russian Su-34 and Su-35 fighters became targets of the Ukrainian forces. Both aircraft had defined roles in the operation: the Su-34 dropped a glider bomb on Chernihiv, while the Su-35 was in charge of its protection.
It is noteworthy the use of 3,300-pound glide bombs by Russia. These are launched from extreme altitudes, a tactic that allows them to attack without crossing Ukrainian airspace. It’s a way of circumventing Western-supplied air defense systems.
Change in the Air Defense of Ukraine
Ukraine’s air defense situation has evolved with the input of defense equipment from the West. Prior to receiving this support, Ukraine relied heavily on the S-300 system to engage the Russian air force, but its limited supply of missiles posed a challenge.
The circumstances of the recent downing of aircraft are shrouded in doubt. It is possible that the Patriot system was responsible for neutralizing the Sukhoi aircraft, followed by an action by Ukrainian forces to shoot down the Mi-8 helicopters.
Patricia Marins, a defense analyst, suggests that for this chain action to occur, the Patriot batteries had to be moved close to the border areas. However, she argues that the Buk system would be more suitable for this purpose.
A video released by the Ukrainian Air Force shows a Patriot battery with images of Russian fighters and helicopters next to the date “May 13.” This is the same day that several Russian planes were recorded to have gone down, leading to speculation that the Patriot system may have been involved.
Four Russian aircraft were reported down in this incident. The vehicles include two Mi-8 helicopters and two Su-34 and Su-35S fighter jets.
The fall of the Russian aircraft occurred on Russian territory, specifically in the Bryansk region, an area similar to the Ukrainian Chernihiv Oblast.
So far, the Russian Air Force has not issued any official statement on the incident. This lack of official information has fueled speculation about the causes and circumstances of the demolition.
Recently, the Ukrainian air defense has undergone significant changes, including the acquisition of Western defense equipment. Ukraine previously relied on the S-300 system to take on the Russian air force, but its limited supply of missiles presented challenges. There is speculation that the Patriot air defense system may have been involved in the recent crash of Russian aircraft.
