Two Russian Su-35S Fighter Jets Collide in Kursk

(KURSK, RUSSIA) – Two Russian Su-35S fighter jets have collided in the Kursk region, according to the Russian Telegram channel Fighterbomber.

The channel, which has close ties to the Russian air force, reported the incident on the 7th September. The statement read: “Two Su-35 fighter jets collided in the Kursk region. The course of the incident is under investigation.”

No further details have been released. The incident marks the first confirmed mid-air collision between Russian aircraft during the war in Ukraine.

The Su-35S is one of Russia’s most modern air superiority fighters. The aircraft entered service in 2014. At the start of the full scale invasion, Russia had approximately 110 Su-35S jets in service, with around 50 additional airframes ordered since.

Nine Su-35S aircraft have been confirmed lost so far during the conflict. The true number is likely higher, as some claimed strikes have not been visually confirmed and therefore have not been added to official tallies.

Each Su-35S costs between $75 million and $85 million (£59 million to £67 million / €69 million to €78 million).

The cause of the collision remains unclear. Kursk air base is located close to the Ukrainian border and is used less frequently by Russian forces due to the threat of Ukrainian drone strikes. In July, Ukraine destroyed a MiG-29 at the base.

Possible causes include pilot error, air traffic control failure, or radar operator mistakes. The involvement of Ukrainian electronic warfare systems cannot be ruled out, though no evidence currently supports this theory.

The Russian military has experienced numerous incidents of friendly fire during the war. Russian pilots reportedly fear their own surface to air missile operators more than Ukrainian forces, given the frequency of accidental shootdowns of Russian aircraft.

Technical malfunctions have also caused multiple crashes. There have been cases of pilot error, including flying into power cables and a Russian pilot who activated an ejector seat while still inside a hangar.