In a powerful show of force, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) used drones to strike five Russian military aircraft on the night of August 4.
Ukraine’s Daring Night Strike in Crimea Hits Key Russian Airfield
The attack took place at the Saky airfield in Crimea, which is currently under Russian control. According to the SBU, the operation was part of a Special Operations Center “A” mission.
The attack led to the destruction of one Su-30SM multirole fighter jet and damage to another. Additionally, three Su-24 bombers were hit, along with a depot storing aviation weapons. Ukrainian officials described the strike as highly successful and a major blow to Russian operations in the region.
The Saky airbase in Crimea plays a major role in Russia’s military activities in the Black Sea. The destruction of even one Su-30SM is seen as a significant loss, as each jet costs between $35 million and $50 million. The strike shows Ukraine’s growing ability to target and damage high-value military equipment far behind enemy lines.
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This is part of Ukraine’s continued effort to weaken Russia’s military presence in Crimea and the Black Sea. The use of drones allows Ukraine to reach targets that were previously considered too risky or difficult to hit directly with traditional weapons.
Russian Fighter Jets and Ammunition Storage Facility Damaged in Crimea
The Su-30SM is a modern Russian jet used for both air combat and ground attacks. It can perform a wide range of missions, including radar surveillance, escorting bombers, and guiding missile strikes. These jets have been actively used in Russia’s military operations against Ukraine.
The Su-24, on the other hand, is an older strike bomber designed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Despite its age, the Su-24 remains part of Russia’s frontline attack force and has been frequently used in air raids. All three Su-24s hit in the drone strike were reportedly operational aircraft.
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In addition to damaging aircraft, the drone attack also struck a storage site for aviation weapons. These facilities store guided missiles, bombs, and other equipment used by military jets. Damaging such a location could affect Russia’s ability to carry out future air missions from the Saky airbase in Crimea.
There has been no official comment from Russian authorities about the strike or the level of damage caused. Ukrainian sources say the attack resulted in significant damage, but independent verification of these claims is not yet available.
Previous Drone Operations Show Ukraine’s Capabilities
This is not the first time Ukraine has used drones effectively in its conflict with Russia. On June 1, Ukraine carried out a major drone operation called “Operation Spiderweb,” which targeted four air bases inside Russian territory. That attack reportedly damaged 41 aircraft and was conducted using drones hidden in trucks, launched from multiple locations.
Ukraine has also targeted Russian military assets in Crimea several times in the past year. The country’s drone forces have struck naval ships, radar systems, and missile launch platforms. Some of the most high-profile attacks include the destruction of several Russian vessels. These include the Caesar Kunikov landing ship, the Sergei Kotov patrol ship, and the Ivanovets missile corvette.
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By repeatedly targeting the Russian Black Sea Fleet and its surrounding infrastructure in Crimea, Ukraine has managed to put significant pressure on Russia’s ability to operate freely in the region. These drone attacks demonstrate a growing ability to strike valuable military targets with precision, while keeping Ukrainian personnel out of direct harm.
The August 4 operation at the Saky airfield in Crimea is being viewed as another example of Ukraine’s strategic use of drone technology in modern warfare. Without the need for fighter pilots or crewed aircraft, Ukraine has shown it can carry out targeted strikes that cause real damage to Russian forces.
The situation continues to evolve, but for now, the facts point to another successful operation by Ukraine’s drone units in their effort to resist and respond to ongoing military actions in Crimea and other occupied areas.