The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation on Monday, May 23, demonstrated footage of combat sorties of Su-35S fighters of the Western Military District (ZVO) to destroy military infrastructure facilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) during a special military operation to protect Donbass.
As noted in the Defense Department, combat sorties of operational and tactical aircraft are carried out from temporary-based airfields to solve the tasks set. The crews of Su-35S fighters continue to destroy enemy military targets, using a wide range of aviation weapons. For the complex performance of combat missions, they interact with Su-34 bombers, including covering the air sides in the air.
Before departure, the aircraft undergo the necessary comprehensive training: checking the operation of all systems of aviation complexes, suspension of weapons and refueling.
Crews use guided high-precision air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles to destroy enemy aircraft, defeat radar stations, and air defense systems.
Departures are carried out around the clock, in all weather conditions.
The Su-35S is designed to gain air supremacy by destroying manned and unmanned aerial vehicles with guided missiles at long, medium and short range, when conducting long-range and short-range maneuverable battles, during autonomous and group actions, hitting surface and ground targets with all types of weapons, as well as ground infrastructure facilities covered by air defense and located at considerable distances from the home airfield.
Earlier, on May 18, Izvestia correspondent Kirill Olkov showed the destruction of AFU facilities by a Russian multi-purpose Su-30 fighter. The pilots operated at an altitude of several kilometers. Knowing the targets, they attacked from afar. The aircraft manufacturer corrected their actions. As a result, the air–to-ground missiles were used successfully.
On May 13, the Russian Defense Ministry published footage of the combat operation of Ka-52 helicopters. The Defense Ministry said that the Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and attack helicopters are used by the Russian Armed Forces to escort convoys, eliminate weapons and strategic enemy facilities. In addition, they are used to deliver troops and military cargo, as well as to provide aviation support to units.
On February 24, Russia launched an operation to protect civilians in the Donbas. Moscow explained that the tasks of the special operation include demilitarization and denazification, the implementation of which is necessary to ensure Russia's security. The decision was made against the background of aggravation in the region as a result of shelling by the Ukrainian military. The authorities of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics announced the evacuation of residents to the Russian Federation, and on February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree recognizing the independence of the DPR and LPR.
Watch more relevant videos and details about the situation in Donbass on the Izvestia TV channel