Ukrainian Drone Takes Down Russian Su-30 Fighter Jet Over Black Sea
A recent development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen a Ukrainian drone successfully take down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet over the Black Sea. This marks the first time such an incident has occurred, with Kyiv intelligence officials providing details of the operation.
The Ukrainian Magura drone was responsible for destroying the Russian Su-30 near the port of Novorossiysk, a location where Ukraine claims Russia maintains a Black Sea fleet. Despite the destruction of the jet, the crew members are believed to have been rescued.
“This is the first time in the world that a combat aircraft has been destroyed by a marine drone,” the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine announced following the successful strike.
According to reports, the Russian Su-30, valued at an estimated $50 million, was engulfed in flames mid-air before crashing into the sea. The Ukrainian agency described the incident as the “ruthless domain of Neptune” claiming the jet.
While the Kremlin has yet to offer any official comment on the event, Russian military bloggers have corroborated Ukraine’s claims. One blogger known as Fighterbomber mentioned the involvement of multiple drones in the operation, while another blogger named Rybar confirmed the hit on the Russian jet and the subsequent rescue of the pilots by civilian sailors.
Following the strike, Novorossiysk officials declared a state of emergency, citing injuries to five individuals in the city due to a Ukrainian drone attack. Additionally, a grain terminal at the trade port was reportedly damaged during the incident.
This successful strike against the Russian fighter jet comes on the heels of another landmark achievement for Ukraine, where its naval drones were used to eliminate two Russian helicopters at the end of 2024. The Magura V5 missile drone represents the latest innovation in Ukraine’s UAV arsenal, allowing for strategic strikes against Moscow’s naval forces in the Black Sea.
In previous engagements, Ukrainian drones were instrumental in sinking the Ivanovets guided-missile ship in the Black Sea after Russia’s violation of a maritime truce. However, drones have also played a role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with recent bombardments causing injuries to civilians in Kyiv.
