Midair Jet Collision
Two Russian Su-35S Fighter Jets Reportedly Collide in Midair Over Kursk
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Key Points
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The collision was first reported by Fighterbomber, a prominent Russian military-aviation Telegram channel described as having close ties to the Russian Aerospace Forces; another Russian channel, Voevoda Veshchayet, reported that one pilot was killed and the other survived.
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The Su-35S is a major upgrade of the Su-27, designed as a 4+ generation multirole aircraft capable of engaging both air and ground targets; it is operated alongside Russia’s Su-30 and Su-34 fleets.
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Russia received its latest batch of Su-35S fighters on Aug. 27, underscoring that the aircraft involved are among the newer additions to the country’s fighter fleet.
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The Su-35S is frequently used to escort Su-34 bombers during strikes against Ukrainian defensive positions and cities near the conflict zone, making the reported loss relevant to Russia’s frontline air operations.
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The reported collision comes amid broader aviation losses: Ukraine’s General Staff said Russia had lost 441 aircraft as of Sept. 7, 2026, while Ukraine’s Security Service said drone attacks on the Saki and Hvardiiske airbases in occupied Crimea destroyed at least seven Russian aircraft, including Su-30 and Su-24 types.
Two Russian Su-35S fighter jets collided in midair over the Kursk region on September 7, killing one pilot and injuring another, according to Fighterbomber, a prominent Russian military aviation Telegram channel with close ties to the Aerospace Forces. Russia's Defense Ministry has not publicly confirmed the incident or disclosed whether it occurred during a training flight or combat operation.
The Su-35S is a 4+ generation multirole fighter designed for air superiority and escort missions. Russia received its latest batch of these jets on August 27, making the reported loss significant to the country's frontline air operations, where the aircraft frequently escort Su-34 bombers striking Ukrainian positions.
Collision Reported by Russian Military Channels
Fighterbomber first reported the midair collision over Kursk, the Russian region bordering Ukraine. The channel, which tracks Aerospace Forces operations, stated that both aircraft were destroyed in the crash. Voevoda Veshchayet, another Russian military Telegram channel, reported that one pilot was killed while the other survived with injuries.
Su-35S Role in Russia's Air Campaign
The Su-35S is Russia's premier air superiority fighter and a major upgrade of the older Su-27 platform. It operates alongside Su-30 and Su-34 fleets to provide combat air cover and carry out strikes against Ukrainian targets. The jet is particularly valued for escorting Su-34 bombers during raids on Ukrainian cities and defensive positions near the front.
Russia's latest batch of Su-35S aircraft arrived on August 27, according to Military Watch Magazine, meaning the jets involved in the collision were among the newer additions to the fleet. The loss of even one aircraft reduces Russia's available air-superiority assets during ongoing operations against Ukraine.
Broader Russian Aviation Losses Mount
The reported collision adds to Russia's mounting aircraft losses in the Ukraine conflict. Ukraine's General Staff said Russia had lost 441 total aircraft as of September 7, 2024. In separate attacks, Ukraine's Security Service reported that drone strikes on Russian airbases in occupied Crimea — including Saki and Hvardiiske — destroyed at least seven aircraft, including Su-30 and Su-24 types.
Investigation Into Collision Cause Remains Unclear
Russia's Defense Ministry has not confirmed the incident or provided details about its cause. The collision could result from pilot error, technical problems, poor flight coordination, or gaps in training procedures. Technology Org noted that the cause remains unknown, though such accidents often reveal broader readiness concerns within air forces operating advanced fighters under combat stress.
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