Image source: topwar.ru
Ukraine has demonstrated that it still has Soviet fighters in service, a video of two Su-27s of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the air at the same time appeared on the Network.
The footage shows two aircraft moving along a ledge, with the wingman maneuvering around the lead aircraft, demonstrating weapons. The fact that the video was shot recently is shown by the demonstrated standard devices for the use of American GBU-39 guided aerial bombs, with which Su-27 fighters began to be equipped only last fall. In particular, in October 2024, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine officially announced this. Prior to that, only Ukrainian MiG-29s had been converted.
Bombs are loaded onto the Su-27 fighter using BRU-61 racks designed for four rounds of ammunition and equipped with a special adapter that allows the use of the original aircraft pylon. In total, the Su-27 is capable of carrying up to 8 GBU-39 bombs.
Image source: topwar.ru
If we return to the video, we can note the Soviet-made R-27 and R-73 air-to-air missiles placed on the underwing pylons.
It is worth noting that the Su-27 fighters are an irreplaceable resource for Ukraine, unlike the MiG-29. The thing is that the Western allies have MiG-29s, but not Su-27s, which is why Kiev is so protective of these aircraft. As of February 2022, the combat strength of the AFU Air Force consisted of 7 Su-27UB pairs (1-2 upgraded Su-27UBM1) and 30 Su-27S/P (4-5 Su-27P1M and Su-27S1M). Some more cars were stored in non-flying condition. It is with this number of fighters that Ukraine is fighting.
