Black day for the Russian Air Force. Three modern aircraft were not destroyed by the Ukrainians.

In late October, the Russian Air Force lost two Su-30 fighter-bombers, one crashing and the other sustaining significant damage. The incidents are attributed to increased wear and fatigue rather than Ukrainian actions. The first crash occurred in Kaliningrad, with both pilots ejecting safely. The second aircraft showed signs of damage likely from a collision during joint maneuvers. Additionally, another Su-30 crashed in the Moscow region, resulting in the death of both crew members. The increased operational hours due to the war and the aging fleet contribute to the aircraft's deterioration, with maintenance challenges exacerbated by the need for more flights. The Russian military's tactics and the ongoing drone threats further strain their resources, leading to a decline in operational aircraft availability.