Russia destroys US’ famous F-16 jets, tightens grip on Ukrainian skies with deadly combo of THESE two fighter jets

The Russian Air Force is using a new strategy to establish complete control over the skies of Ukraine.

Written by: Tahir Qureshi Edited by: Tahir Qureshi

Published: August 24, 2025, 3:42 PM IST

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New Delhi: The USA claims to possess the most advanced fighter jets in the world, and it might be true to some extent. But, with a good strategy, these aircraft can be neutralised. This is what the Russian Air Force displayed when it destroyed sophisticated planes like F-16 and Mirage in Ukraine.

What strategy did the Russians adopt?

The Russian Air Force is using a new strategy to establish complete control over the skies of Ukraine. The Russian government arms group Rostec wrote in a Telegram post that to prevent Ukraine from effectively using Western fighter jets and their powerful weapons in war, Russia is using the deadly pair of Su-35S Flanker-E and Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers.

Why are Su-34 and Su-35S game-changers for Russia?

Rostec posted this message on Telegram on August 18, which shows that while the Su-34 fighter-bomber plays the role of the main strike platform in offensive operations, the Su-35S acts as a cover aircraft.

Rostec’s message states that “Su-35 is a highly efficient fighter jet that controls the threats coming from above. It is a fighter jet equipped with many radars, which detect many targets and threats simultaneously, so that it also conducts reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Su-34 is capable of carrying out precision strikes deep into the enemy’s rear.”

What is the Tandem Operation strategy of Russia?

Rostec has named this electronic warfare strategy ‘Tandem’. According to the report, the ‘Tandem Operation’ strategy of Russian Su-34 Fullback fighter-bomber and Su-35S Flanker-E fighter jets has largely disabled Ukraine’s F-16 and Mirage-2000 aircraft received from Western countries. Rostec has claimed that with the arrival of both fighter planes together, Russia has gained control over the airspace of Ukraine to a great extent.

Apart from this, enemy planes cannot reach the border of Russia. In this strategy, Su-34 makes the main attack, while Su-35S provides protection and keeps air dominance in its favour. The biggest strength of Su-35S is its long-range R-77 and R-37M air-to-air missiles, which can target enemy planes from several hundred km away.

Russian planes equipped with Khibiny electronic warfare pods

Rostec claims that the Su-35S fighter plane not only protects against air threats but is also equipped with Khibiny electronic warfare pods, which work to identify radar waves and jam the enemy’s air defense. Because of this, it is easy for the Su-34 to go deep and carry out accurate attacks. However, this is not a new claim and last year too, Russia had said that Su-34 aircraft are sent to attack ground targets and Su-35S provides them cover from above. Ukraine has so far accepted the downing of its four F-16 fighter jets and one Mirage-2000.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Russian Air Force destroyed sophisticated planes like F-16 and Mirage in Ukraine.
• Russia is using the deadly pair of Su-35S Flanker-E and Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers.
• Su-35 is a highly efficient fighter jet that controls the threats coming from above.
• Su-34 is capable of carrying out precision strikes deep into the enemy’s rear.

Rostec claims that the Su-35S fighter plane not only protects against air threats but is also equipped with Khibiny electronic warfare pods, which work to identify radar waves and jam the enemy’s air defense.