Aircraft
Ukraine Has Lost 22 Aircraft to Rebel Forces
Official attributes loss rate to pilots’ lack of combat experience; insufficient training; and insufficient intelligence on the threat.
The Ukrainian air force has lost a number of aircraft to ground fire during the conflict with separatist forces in the southeast of the country. They include an Il-76 transport, seen here with one of the country’s Su-27 interceptors. (Photo: Chris Pocock)
The Ukrainian air force has lost a number of aircraft to ground fire during the conflict with separatist forces in the southeast of the country. They include an Il-76 transport, seen here with one of the country’s Su-27 interceptors. (Photo: Chris Pocock)

Ukraine has seen nine of its combat aircraft, three airlifters and 10 helicopters shot down during the conflict with Russian-supported breakaway factions in the southeast of the country. Most of the aircraft were brought down by man-portable surface-to-air missile systems (Manpads), although some of the helicopters were downed by rocket-propelled grenades.