Russian Fighter Jets Burn in Sabotage Attack
- On December 22,2025,Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reported the destruction of two Russian aircraft - a Sukhoi Su-27 and a Sukhoi Su-30 - by fire at an airfield...
- According to the HUR, the Su-27, bearing tail number "12," and the Su-30, with tail number "82," were both destroyed by fire following meticulous planning.
- Open-source intelligence suggests the Su-27 with tail number "12" was likely a demonstration or exhibition aircraft, possibly used for museum purposes.
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Ukrainian Intelligence Claims Destruction of Russian Fighter Jets at Lipetsk Air Base
Table of Contents
Published December 23,2025,at 09:04:48 EST
Overview
On December 22,2025,Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported the destruction of two Russian aircraft – a Sukhoi Su-27 and a Sukhoi Su-30 – by fire at an airfield near Lipetsk,Russia. The agency stated the operation, which involved careful readiness, took two weeks to plan and execute. As of December 23, 2025, the Russian military has not commented on the incident.
Details of the Incident
According to the HUR, the Su-27, bearing tail number “12,” and the Su-30, with tail number “82,” were both destroyed by fire following meticulous planning. The agency described the operation as a success, attributing it to “thorough preparation, composure, and professionalism.”
Open-source intelligence suggests the Su-27 with tail number “12” was likely a demonstration or exhibition aircraft, possibly used for museum purposes. Conversely, the Su-30 with tail number “82” was reportedly an operational aircraft actively involved in combat missions and training exercises. air Force Technology provides details on the su-30’s capabilities.
Lipetsk Air Base: A Key Russian Aviation Center
Lipetsk is home to a significant Russian military aviation center and air base, crucial for training and testing combat aircraft. GlobalSecurity.org details the Lipetsk Center for Combat Employment and Retraining of Flight Personnel, highlighting its role in Russia’s tactical aviation operations and pilot training programs. The base’s strategic importance makes any disruption to its operations noteworthy.
Lack of Independent Confirmation
As of December 23, 2025, the Russian military has not issued any public statement regarding the incident. Independent confirmation of the extent of the damage remains unavailable. Regional Russian authorities have also not released any immediate statements explaining the cause of the fire. This lack of official response contributes to the uncertainty surrounding the event.
Aircraft Details
Here’s a table summarizing the known information about the destroyed aircraft:
| Aircraft Type | Tail Number | Reported Status |
|---|---|---|
| Su-27 | 12 | Likely demonstration/exhibition aircraft |
| Su-30 | 82 | Operational aircraft, used for combat and training |