Video has recently emerged showing the fiery demise of a Russian
Su-25 Frogfoot attack jet, moments after taking off from its base, apparently on a mission as part of
the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Su-25 has been playing a significant role for
both sides in the conflict, and losses have been high for Russia and Ukraine, a reflection of the hazardous missions these aircraft typically fly.
The incident, seen in the tweet embedded below, however, appears to be something different, with strong indications that it was the result of either a pilot error or some kind of mechanical failure. Neither of those possibilities bodes well for the Russian Aerospace Forces, or VKS, as Ukrainian troops continue to make
impressive gains on the ground. There is mounting evidence of Russian airpower being overworked both in terms of personnel and platforms. This, combined, with the
increasing threats they face, is having an impact on the ability of the VKS to provide useful air support.
The video in question, seen below, which is 39 seconds long, begins with two gray-painted Russian Su-25s taking off in formation. The date of the incident is unknown.