Ukraine loses Su-27 fighter jet during drone attack repulsion

The Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) lost a Su-27 fighter jet on the morning of April 28, 2025, during a combat mission to provide air support and repel an attack by Russian strike drones.

“A Su-27 fighter of the Air Force was lost while performing a complex combat mission involving air support for ground forces and repelling an enemy drone attack,” the Air Force said in a statement, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“A special commission has been established and is already investigating the causes of the incident.”

The pilot successfully ejected and was promptly taken to a medical facility for examination. His condition is reported as stable, and there is no threat to his life or health.

The Su-27, known by its NATO designation "Flanker," is a Soviet-era air superiority fighter jet utilized by both Ukraine and Russia. This loss is notable, as Ukraine has rarely reported losses of its fighter jets during the ongoing conflict. ​

In related developments, Ukraine has previously reported the loss of other fighter jets, including F-16s, during combat missions. For instance, in mid-April 2025, a 26-year-old Ukrainian F-16 pilot, Pavlo Ivanov, was killed during a combat mission. In August 2024, Ukraine lost another experienced F-16 pilot, Oleksii Mes, (“Moonfish”) while repelling a massive attack. 

By Khagan Isayev