Ukraine claimed that it has shot down and destroyed a Russian Su-30 fighter jet with a sea drone strike in the Black Sea. The strike is being described by Ukrainian officials as the world’s first downing of a manned combat aircraft by a marine drone.
The Su-30, with an estimated price tag of $50m, was struck near the port of Novorossiysk, the statement said.
The operation, according to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, was executed on Friday by a specialised unit called Group 13.
In a statement, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence stated that the mission was conducted in coordination with Ukraine’s Security Service and Defence Forces of Ukraine.
Ukraine released video footage purportedly showing the moment of the strike. Ukraine’s claims have not been independently verified by Shipping Telegraph.
As it is reported, the Russian Su-30 -a multi-role fighter jet with an estimated value of $50m- burst into flames midair and crashed into the sea.
Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence said the strike occurred near the port of Novorossiysk, “where the Russian military continued to conceal remnants of its Black Sea Fleet.”
As reported, on December 31, thanks to the Magura V5 -a Ukrainian multi-purpose unmanned surface vehicle- the DIU’s special forces destroyed an air target – two Russian Mi-8 helicopters.
Video credit: Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence
