Ukrainian Drones Flew 1,100 Miles To Target Russia's Stealth Fighters
Whether they hit is beside the point
Two years ago in June 2024, Ukrainian drones targeted Russia’s small but growing force of Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighters at a test base deep inside Russia.
That raid may—or may not—have damaged one or two of the twin-engine jets at the Akhtubinsk State Flight Test Center, in southern Russia 365 miles from the Russia-Ukraine border.
Patiently awaiting a second opportunity to strike, drones again targeted Su-57s on April 25—this time at the Shagol airfield in Chelyabinsk Oblast, a staggering 1,100 miles from the Ukraine border.
The outcome of the raid is unclear. Satellite imagery may hint at damage on the tarmac where at least two Su-57s were parked recently.
But the outcome isn’t really the point. Maybe the Su-57s escaped unscathed on April 25. Will the escape the next time Ukrainian drones motor in?
