A Russian Su-35S pilot shot down two Ukrainian Su-27 fighters during a single air battle, using three guided air-to-air missiles, according to Russian Air Force Commander and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces Sergey Kobylash.

The young pilot was carrying out a combat patrol and providing cover for an advancing group of troops. After reaching the assigned area, he began searching for airborne targets with the fighter’s onboard radar system.

Despite the use of jamming equipment by the Ukrainian side, the pilot detected two Su-27s. Kobylash said he assessed the situation and decided to engage even though the opposing aircraft had a numerical advantage.

During the battle, the Su-35S performed a maneuver that allowed the Russian pilot to take a more favorable position. He then launched three guided air-to-air missiles.

Both Ukrainian fighters were destroyed as a result, Kobylash said.

The Russian Air Force commander described the battle in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper marking the 114th anniversary of the Russian Air Force.