In a bold and meticulously executed operation, the Security Service of Ukraine struck a major blow against russian air power in the Black Sea region. During the night, drones operated by the Alpha special group targeted the Saky military airfield in temporarily occupied Crimea, a strategically vital base for russian aviation operations over the Black Sea.
The strike led to the complete destruction of one Su-30SM multirole fighter jet and damage to another. In addition, three Su-24 aircraft were also hit, dealing a significant operational setback to the russian Aerospace Forces. The Su-30SM, a twin-engine jet known for its versatility, costs between $35 and $50 million, emphasizing the scale of the material loss.
Read more: $50 Million Su-30SM Fighter Jet Was Destroyed in Rostov-on-Don Amid Possible Rising Anti-Kremlin Resistance
But beyond the aircraft, the attack also struck deeper into the heart of the base's capabilities: an ammunition depot used for storing aviation munitions was also successfully hit. The destruction of this facility is likely to impact russian air operations in the region, reducing their ability to conduct strikes or defend airspace in the south of Ukraine and the Black Sea corridor.
The Saky airbase has long been one of russia's most critical forward-operating airfields, especially since 2022, serving as a launch point for both reconnaissance and strike missions. The latest strike adds to a growing list of Ukrainian drone and sabotage operations that have increasingly targeted high-value russian military infrastructure far behind the front lines.
The drones used in this operation were part of a broader campaign to degrade russia's capacity to conduct offensive operations from temporarily occupied Crimea. The success of this strike is yet another sign of the Security Service's expanding ability to strike deep into enemy-held territory with precision and coordination.
The financial and symbolic cost of the attack is significant. The loss of even one modern fighter jet is a blow to russia's overstretched aerospace inventory, particularly as sanctions and battlefield losses strain its capacity to replenish such high-end equipment. The strike also raises questions about russia's airbase defenses, particularly in a location previously considered secure.
This latest operation underscores a key shift in Ukraine's asymmetric warfare strategy. Rather than focusing exclusively on the front lines, Ukrainian forces are increasingly targeting russia's operational depth, its logistics, command hubs, and high-value equipment, aiming to erode the invader's war-making capacity over time.
As Defense Express previously reported, at the site of destroyed Donetsk airport, infrastructure is actively being developed for the deployment of remotely controlled unmanned aerial vehicles of the Shahed and Gerbera types. Near the damaged "new" terminal, closed storage platforms for these drones are currently under construction, indicating significant preparatory efforts.
Read more: Infrastructure Development at the Donetsk Airport Shows Preparations for Large-Scale Use of russian UAVs
