Ukraine’s security service dealt a heavy blow to Russian military forces by targeting an airfield in Saky, located in Russia-annexed Crimea. Ukrainian drones successfully destroyed one SU-30SM fighter jet, damaged another, and hit three Su-24 bombers, while also damaging an aviation weapons depot.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said the mission, carried out by its Special Operations Centre “A,” represents a significant step toward crippling Russia’s capacity to wage war on Ukrainian soil.
The SU-30SM, a sophisticated twin-engine multirole fighter, carries a price tag of roughly €30 to €43 million, marking it as a valuable asset for Russia’s air power. The older Su-24 strike bombers, dating back to Soviet-era designs, remain crucial for Moscow’s ongoing operations.
Saky airbase serves as a strategic hub for Russia’s Black Sea operations, playing a central role in attacks against Ukraine and overseeing critical radar surveillance and escort missions. Kyiv’s recent efforts have steadily degraded Russian capabilities in the region, forcing Moscow to relocate parts of its Black Sea Fleet following a series of losses.
This latest attack adds to a pattern of intensified Ukrainian strikes on Russian military infrastructure. Earlier this year, Ukraine executed Operation Spiderweb—a large-scale drone assault on four Russian air bases deep inside Russian territory—reportedly damaging over 40 aircraft.
Ukraine’s drone campaign is reshaping the battlefield, targeting not only ships but also key air assets that support Russia’s offensive. Each successful strike chips away at Moscow’s ability to sustain its war, underscoring Ukraine’s evolving tactics and growing operational reach.
