British intelligence: Russia loses at least 100 combat aircraft in war with Ukraine
The British Ministry of Defense reported this on social network X, citing intelligence data, Ukrinform reported.
The United Kingdom intelligence noted, it is almost certain that reports of a S-200 missile (SA-5) being used are accurate and that this was another successful Ukrainian action against the Russian Air Force.
This system is likely the same system used to shoot down a Russian A-50 MAINSTAY on 23 February 2024.
“This is the first instance of a strategic bomber being shot down by Ukrainian Air Defence systems. It is highly likely that Russia has now sustained at least 100 fixed-wing combat aircraft losses to date,” the statement reads.
As reported, on 19 April 2024, Russia carried out airstrikes using Tu-22M3 BACKFIRE C strategic bombers likely against targets in southern Ukraine. Defence Intelligence of Ukraine announced that they had shot down one of the bombers, with reports circulating online that appeared to show a single BACKFIRE losing control in the air, and subsequently crashing into a field.
The commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, confirmed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber.
