Ukraine’s SBU claims a drone strike in Crimea destroyed one Russian Su-30 jet, damaged four aircraft, and hit a weapons depot in a strategic military operation.
In a fresh strike on Russian military infrastructure, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) announced on Monday that it successfully took out a Russian jet fighter and inflicted damage on four other military aircraft stationed in Russian-occupied Crimea.
According to the SBU's official statement, Ukrainian drones managed to destroy a Su-30SM fighter aircraft, damage another of the same model, and strike three Su-24 bombers. In addition, the attack also hit an aviation weapons warehouse.
The Su-30SM is a twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft built by Russia, while the Su-24 is a supersonic strike bomber originally developed by the Soviet Union. Both types of aircraft have been routinely deployed in offensive operations against Ukraine.
READ MORE: Trump Threatens Russia With Sanctions and Tariffs Over Ukraine War
These jets are crucial for 'patrols, radar surveillance, and escorting long-range aircraft,' as reported by the Kyiv Independent.
the strike was launched at the Saky Airbase in Crimea, a stretigitically vital site for Russian military operations and activities amid the conflict, especially concerning the operations at the Black Sea.
Commenting on the mission's success, the SBU stated: 'Another Step' in Undermining Russia’s War Capabilities
"The successful special operation carried out by the SBU in Saki marks another step toward weakening the enemy's capacity to wage its war of aggression against Ukraine."
The attack showcases Ukraine's efforts to degrade the air power of Russia as well as Russia's military logistics in contested regions.
READ MORE: Elon Musk Allegedly Cut Starlink During Ukraine Offensive
This recent airbase strike follows a larger Ukrainian offensive earlier this year. In May, the SBU launched Operation Spider’s Web, targeting aircraft at the Olenya and Belaya airbases.
An SBU official had then told Kyiv Independent that the campaign damaged or destroyed over 40 aircraft, including strategic bombers like the A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22 M3.
