Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Russia Claims Su-35 Hit Ukrainian Patriot System With Missile
Russia says one of its Su-35 aircraft attacked a Ukrainian air-defense target.
It says the aircraft used a Kh-31PM missile.
The target was reportedly near Odesa on August 23.
Russia identified it as part of a US-made Patriot system.
Other reports said it may have been a separate radar station instead.
Ukraine has not confirmed that the strike happened as described.
The missile is built to follow signals coming from enemy radars.
Russia says it can travel very fast and is difficult to stop.
Russia says a Su-35 launched a Kh-31PM missile at a Ukrainian Patriot system near Odesa on August 23.
The claimed strike allegedly occurred from about 125 kilometers away, based on a range indicator in cockpit footage.
Ukraine has not confirmed the claim, and reports differ on whether a Patriot component or a separate radar station was hit.
The Kh-31PM is designed to home in on electromagnetic emissions from enemy radar systems.
The missile reportedly has a range of 55 to 300 kilometers and can reach speeds of up to Mach 4.
- Who
- Russia claims that a Russian Su-35 attacked a Ukrainian air-defense target; Ukraine has not confirmed the claim.
- What
- A Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile allegedly struck a Patriot system or associated radar equipment.
- When
- The attack was reportedly carried out on August 23, with the claim reported on Sunday.
- Where
- Near the Ukrainian port city of Odesa.
- Why
- The Kh-31PM is designed to target radar emissions from air-defense systems.
Russian Claim
Unconfirmed Assessment
Target identification
Russian Claim
Russia says the missile struck components of a Ukrainian MIM-104 Patriot system.
Unconfirmed Assessment
Ukraine has not confirmed the claim, and some reports describe the target as a separate radar station rather than a Patriot component.
Strike distance
Russian Claim
Russia’s reported distance of about 125 kilometers is based on a range indicator shown in released or leaked Su-35 cockpit footage.
Unconfirmed Assessment
The footage and the claimed damage have not been independently confirmed in the article.
Damage assessment
Russian Claim
Russian-released footage is presented as showing an attack on the identified air-defense target.
Unconfirmed Assessment
The extent of damage remains disputed.
- Claimed aircraft
- Russian Su-35 fighter
- Claimed missile
- Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile
- Reported target
- A Ukrainian MIM-104 Patriot system or a separate radar station
- Reported location
- Odesa, Ukraine
- Claimed launch distance
- About 125 kilometers
- Missile range
- Approximately 55 to 300 kilometers
- Maximum speed
- Up to Mach 4