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Ukraine destroys 2 Russian Su-34 bomber jets in Neptune missile strike on airfield, Navy says
Confirmed
In Short: The Ukrainian Navy reported on October 29 that it destroyed two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers in a missile strike on the Marinovka airfield in Russia's Volgograd region, according to Defense Express and RBC-Ukraine.
Both Defense Express and RBC-Ukraine reported that the strike was carried out using Ukraine's domestically produced Neptune missiles. RBC-Ukraine specifically stated that the attack occurred at the 11th Mixed Aviation Regiment's base in the settlement of Oktyabrsky, Volgograd region, which is part of the 4th Air Force and Air Defense Army's 4th Mixed Aviation Division.
Euromaidan Press and UNITED24 Media also reported on the incident, with UNITED24 Media noting that the airfield is used by Russian military aviation and that the strike was carried out with Ukraine’s Neptune coastal missile system.
According to Kyivindependent, the Ukrainian ground-launched Neptune cruise missile is best known for sinking Russia's Black Sea flagship, the Moskva, in 2022. Kyivindependent also reported that the operation was aimed at reducing Russia's capacity to conduct strikes against Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Navy stated that the Su-34 aircraft hit on October 15 had been preparing for new strikes against Ukraine, as reported by RBC-Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later confirmed this, saying the aircraft were loaded with aerial bombs.
Euromaidan Press and UNITED24 Media reported that the Ukrainian Navy destroyed six Russian Su-34M fighter-bombers at the Borisoglebsk airfield in Russia’s Voronezh region on October 15. Kyivpost and United24Media reported that Ukrainian long-range drones struck a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber at the Khanskaya military airfield in Russia’s Republic of Adygea overnight on October 4.
Kyivpost and United24Media also reported that the SBU targeted the Saky and Hvardiiske airfields in Crimea, damaging or destroying at least seven combat aircraft as part of a 40-day campaign ordered by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Satellite imagery from Defence-Blog and Dagens confirmed the destruction of four Su-34s and damage to two more at the Borisoglebsk airfield, aligning with the Ukrainian Navy’s claim.
While the exact number of aircraft destroyed varied slightly between reports, all outlets agreed that the Ukrainian Navy used Neptune missiles to strike the Marinovka airfield in Volgograd region, targeting Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers.
The Neptune missile system, known for its long-range capabilities, has been a significant asset for Ukraine in disrupting Russian military operations.
The reported strikes on Russian airfields, including the destruction of Su-34s, indicate a strategic effort by Ukraine to degrade Russia's military capabilities and disrupt its ability to launch further attacks.
What this adds
The exact number of aircraft destroyed at the Borisoglebsk airfield varied between reports, with some outlets citing four destroyed and two damaged, while others confirmed six destroyed.
Background
While the exact extent of the damage and the number of flights affected varied slightly between reports, all outlets agreed that the Ukrainian missile strike on the electronics plant in Oryol caused significant disruptions at Moscow's main airports.
What's confirmed
- The Ukrainian Navy has reported destroying two russian Su-34 fighter-bombers in a missile strike on the Marinovka airfield in russia's Volgograd region.
- Ukraine’s Navy said on 29 October that it destroyed two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers in a Neptune missile strike on Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast.
- On October 15, Ukrainian forces destroyed six Russian Su-34M fighter-bombers at the Borisoglebsk airfield in Russia’s Voronezh region, according to the Ukrainian Navy.
- Ukrainian long-range drones struck a Russian Su-35 multirole fighter and a Su-34 fighter-bomber at the Khanskaya military airfield in Russia’s Republic of Adygea overnight on October 4, according to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
What's still developing
- According to Ukrinform, Russia’s Aerospace Forces had approximately 140 Su-34 aircraft of various modifications in service as of 22 October.
- The airfield is located roughly 500 kilometers from Ukrainian-controlled territory.
- The operation confirms earlier reports from regional monitoring channels and eyewitnesses in Maykop, who reported drone engine sounds and active Russian air defense fire beginning around 1:00 a.m. local time on Sunday, followed by loud secondary explosions and large blazes visible across the airfield complex.
- The security service confirmed direct hits on an Su-35 multi-role air superiority fighter – one of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ most advanced frontline combat aircraft, carrying an estimated export valuation of $100 million – and an Su-34 fighter-bomber, which serves as Moscow’s primary tactical strike aircraft for launching standoff guided aerial bombs, valued at approximately $50 million.
- Numerous pro-Russian Telegram channels have also acknowledged the losses.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky said in March 2025 that Ukraine had successfully tested and used an extended-range version known as Long Neptune, with a claimed range of 1,000 km (620 miles).
- Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea bordered by NATO members Lithuania and Poland, hosts several military airfields.
- Satellite photos taken earlier this week showed six Su-34s lined up side by side — the exact same spot that is now a blackened strip of charred wreckage.
- Also read Instagram is officially burying fake AI influencers who refuse to label their posts 401(k) creator says many workers need another way to save After reviewing other available footage, Exilenova+’s Telegram channel concludes that the Neptune strike destroyed four of the Su-34s and damaged another two.
- Two Russian Su-35S multirole fighter jets collided in the air over the Kursk region on September 7, killing one pilot and destroying both aircraft, according to Russian military channels tracking the loss.
- A pair of Russian Su-35 fighters reportedly collided over Kursk Oblast today.