Update (1150 EST): Pro-Ukrainian Channel Crimean Wind claims that Russian air defenses shot down their own Su-35.
According to local Russian sources in Sevastopol, a Sukhoi-variant fighter of the Russian Aerospace Forces has crashed into the sea right outside of the city. In videos taken by eyewitnesses, burning debris can be seen in the wake of the aircraft falling. However, there does not appear to be any missile trail from a Surface-to-air missile or air-to-air missile. It also does not appear to be any fire from Russian ground based defenses.
Sukhoi-variant tactical aircraft downed near Sevastopol. The pilot has reportedly ejected and has been rescued. pic.twitter.com/9xFRIQS0EW
— Tessaron News (@TessaronF) March 28, 2024
The pilot ejected and has been rescued according to local social media. Sevastopol, Crimea Governor Razvozhaev has also told his social media following that the aircraft fell into the sea and presents no threat to civilian infrastructure.
Russian military bloggers have identified the variant as a Su-35.
