In the past, flying drones were used successfully — and sometimes not so successfully — not only during wars but…
The crew of a Su-24M bomber that was shot down over occupied territory in September 2022 recounted their ejection, rescue, and return to service. Today, these pilots are once again carrying out combat missions — now with Storm Shadow missiles.
The Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this story of courage and brotherhood.
On September 29, 2022, Russian media celebrated the downing of a Ukrainian Su-24M and already considered the crew dead. But on the ground, under enemy fire, another story was unfolding.
“Alive! You’re alive, damn it…”, – the navigator shouted as he rushed to the pilot after ejecting. Ahead lay a path through minefields and machine-gun fire.
That day marked their 79th sortie together. Pilot Yevhen — a former construction worker in Italy who returned to defend Ukraine. The navigator grew up in a Russian military town, but after the occupation of Crimea, his hatred of the enemy was hardened once and for all in battles near Donetsk as part of the “Wild Duck” detachment.
Near the target, the aircraft was struck by a missile.
“We saw the launch, but there was no time to evade”, – the navigator recalls. The aircraft caught fire, and the crew ejected.
“I landed right under machine-gun fire. Mines. Drones. It felt like we were walking to our own lines for an eternity… In reality — a little over an hour”, – the pilot recounts.
The navigator reached friendly forces first. He was met by infantryman Pavlo Petrychenko of the 59th Brigade, who, together with comrades Roman Osyka and Andrii Shulha, rescued the crew. Later Pavlo would be killed and posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine.
“Without them, we would have either been dead or in captivity. We owe them our lives”, – the pilots say.
After a long rehabilitation, the crew returned to duty.
“I gave my word to the commander!” – the navigator repeated, refusing to give in to the thought of surrender.
In September 2025, they once again take their aircraft into the sky. Under its wing — Storm Shadow. Everything is as before, only with more scars, and with deeper rage. For their courage and heroism, both were awarded the Order “For Courage” III Class and the Cross of Combat Merit.
