Kyiv (Ukraine): In a groundbreaking military development, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency claimed to have shot down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet using a missile launched from a maritime drone. The strike, reportedly carried out in the Black Sea, is being described by Ukrainian officials as the world’s first successful downing of a manned combat aircraft by a sea-based unmanned surface vessel.
The operation, according to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (GUR), was executed on Friday by a specialised unit called Group 13. The attack took place approximately 50 kilometres west of Novorossiisk, a key Russian port city on the Black Sea. Ukraine released video footage purportedly showing the moment of the strike, though the authenticity of the visuals has not been independently verified by the Free Press Journal.
The GUR stated that the mission was conducted in coordination with Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and other elements of the armed forces. The missile was reportedly fired from a Magura V5 maritime drone, a sea drone model that Ukraine has increasingly used in naval operations targeting Russian assets.
Ukraine Claims Russian Jet Hit Mid-Air, Crashed Into Sea
The aircraft targeted was identified as a Russian Su-30, a twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet valued at around USD 50 million. Ukrainian officials claimed that the aircraft was hit mid-air, engulfed in flames and ultimately crashed into the sea. Russia’s Defence Ministry has yet to issue an official comment or confirmation on the reported incident.
Shortly after the alleged downing of the jet, the mayor of Novorossiisk declared a state of emergency following a separate Ukrainian drone attack. That strike reportedly damaged a grain terminal and several residential buildings. Local officials said five people were injured in the assault, which appears to be part of a broader escalation in drone warfare in the region.
Russia’s Retailation After Ukraine’s Attack
In retaliation, Russia launched an overnight drone assault on Kyiv. Ukrainian air defences reportedly intercepted the drones, but falling debris caused fires and damage in multiple parts of the capital, including residential areas and parked vehicles. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the destruction caused by the overnight barrage.
