Ukraine's Defense Intelligence has released new details of a successful drone strike targeting russian military aviation in Crimea. The operation reportedly resulted in the destruction of russian MiG-29 fighter jet and critical ground support equipment at the Belbek Air Base.
According to the Defense Intelligence, the attack was carried out by operators from its Unmanned Systems Department during the night of June 25-26. Video footage published on July 4 shows the strike on the airfield, which is located near Sevastopol in temporarily occupied Crimea.
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The operation destroyed russian MiG-29 system stationed at the Belbek Air Base. Although the aircraft is a legacy Soviet-designed fighter, it continues to serve in multiple roles within the russian Aerospace Forces, including air defense and limited strike missions. Replacing combat aircraft lost on the ground remains costly and time-consuming, particularly under sanctions affecting russia's defense industry.
The released footage also indicates that Ukrainian drones struck an airfield launch and servicing vehicle positioned next to the fighter at the time of the attack. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the specialized equipment was actively supporting the aircraft when it was hit, amplifying the overall impact of the strike.
The Defense Intelligence estimates that the combined losses from the destroyed fighter and specialized ground equipment amount to tens of millions of dollars.
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