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A Russian Flanker fighter pilot, possibly from a Su-27 or Su-35, ejected from his aircraft and then pulled out his phone to take a selfie and video. In the clip, he mumbles something like, “We were attacked and had no time to react.” Shared on social networks a few days ago, the exact crash location remains unclear.
Analysts speculate that the incident occurred over Russian territory, but concrete evidence is lacking. Nonetheless, the video captures the pilot’s calm demeanor as he fulfills his “social commitment to followers,” despite losing a multi-million-dollar aircraft. The absence of the distinct duck wings of the Su-34 suggests the aircraft might be an older Su-27 or a modern Su-35.
The video’s poor quality makes it challenging to discern details, though some observers claim to see flames coming from the plane’s engines. The pilot’s use of “we were attacked” implies multiple crew members; however, the video does not show a second parachute. It remains unconfirmed if there was a co-pilot. It’s essential to note that both the Su-27 and Su-35, part of the Flanker family, have two-pilot versions.
The perspective then shifts to the pilot’s view as he descends with his recognizable orange and white parachute, visor still down. You can also spot his portable survival kit below him, complete with an undeployed life raft for water landings. Halfway through the descent, once he’s at a lower altitude, the pilot removes his oxygen mask, lifts his visor, and turns to face the camera.
While the Su-35 is typically known as a single-seat fighter, the Su-35UB variant offers a two-seat configuration. Developed by Sukhoi, this model is a multirole fighter accommodating both a pilot and a weapon systems officer or a trainer. This dual-seat setup enhances combat capability and also serves for training purposes.
His superiors likely weren’t thrilled that the clip made it onto the internet—militarily speaking, it’s quite extraordinary. Even more striking is the pilot’s behavior during the descent. At one point, he is seen meticulously cleaning the phone’s camera with his hand, perhaps to wipe off any dust and debris as he falls, aiming to ensure a clear capture. Some Russian users online remarked, “If only he had taken such thorough care of the aircraft entrusted to him, paid for by us, the citizens.”
From Ukraine’s perspective, speculations about who downed the Su-35 quickly surfaced. Unsurprisingly, many pointed fingers at the F-16, although there’s no solid proof that Ukraine has ever deployed this fighter in combat. Considering both Russia and Ukraine are quick to flaunt every enemy vehicle they destroy, just imagine the uproar if an F-16 indeed shot down a Su-27 or Su-35.
So far, Ukraine has made several claims about downing Russian flankers with their air defenses. Some losses have even been confirmed through photographic evidence from the battlefield. Meanwhile, incidents of friendly fire among Russian forces, resulting in the loss of their own tactical aircraft, have also been reported. Hence, friendly fire remains a plausible explanation in this scenario.
The video was posted in early August, but the exact timing of the incident remains unclear. During late July and early August, one of the most significant attacks on Russian infrastructure occurred at the Kursk oil depot. Ukraine claimed to have successfully destroyed all three oil hangars, a statement later confirmed by Russia, which added that over 80 firefighters were dispatched to the site.
Meanwhile, an online source pinpointed the location to an area near Chervony Yar in the Kherson region, close to the Russian border. It suggested the incident occurred on December 22, 2023. On that day, reports indicated that Ukraine had shot down three Russian Su-34s in southern Ukraine. However, it’s possible this was a separate incident or that the Su-35C was misidentified as a Fullback.
Let’s consider the broader implications. In today’s digital age, there’s a strong desire to showcase effectiveness and seek allies online. However, this Russian pilot faces punishment, as such actions are strictly prohibited in the Russian military.
The Russian military has strict regulations regarding the use of personal electronic devices, including smartphones, during combat operations. These rules are primarily aimed at maintaining operational security and preventing the leakage of sensitive information.
In 2019, the Russian Ministry of Defense introduced a law that specifically prohibits soldiers from using smartphones and other gadgets that can connect to the Internet while on duty. This legislation was in response to several incidents where sensitive information was inadvertently leaked through social media posts.
Penalties for violating these regulations can be severe. Soldiers caught taking selfies or using their phones during combat can face disciplinary action ranging from fines to imprisonment. The exact nature of the punishment often depends on the severity of the offense and the potential impact on military operations.
According to a BBC report in 2018, a Russian soldier was sentenced to two years in a penal colony for sharing a selfie that revealed the location of his unit. This incident highlights the serious consequences of violating the army’s policy on electronic devices.
The Russian military’s stance on the issue is part of a broader effort to improve cybersecurity and protect against espionage. By limiting the use of personal electronic devices, the military aims to minimize the risk of adversaries gaining access to critical information.
BULGARIAN MILITARY