Ukraine destroys Russian Su-24 bomber at Crimea airbase
Photo: Russian Su-24M (Getty Images)
Ukrainian special forces from the Omega Special Purpose Center of the National Guard destroyed a Russian Su-24M bomber at the Saky military airbase in temporarily occupied Crimea, according to the National Guard Commander Oleksandr Pivnenko.
How the operation unfolded
The successful operation was carried out by combat divers from the Omega Special Purpose Center. According to Pivnenko, careful planning was conducted after identifying a high-priority target.
Omega strike drones attacked at the moment the Su-24M was preparing for a combat sortie to carry out further strikes on Ukrainian territory.
The first drone hit the aircraft's nose section.
A second drone then struck the fuel tank area, ensuring the total destruction of the bomber.
National Guard special forces take out Russian Su-24M bomber at Saky air base in occupied Crimea pic.twitter.com/1bZhFFsbYV
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) July 16, 2026
National Guard expands long-range strike capabilities
According to Pivnenko, the National Guard is steadily expanding its ability to conduct long-range drone strikes deep behind enemy lines.
Units of the National Guard's 1st Azov Corps and 2nd Khartiia Corps are also carrying out combat missions at distances exceeding 100 kilometers.
Their primary targets include:
- logistics routes;
- ammunition depots;
- command posts;
- air defense systems;
- troop concentration areas;
- enemy aircraft.
Such strikes weaken Russia's combat capabilities, disrupt its logistics network, and force the enemy to divert resources to protect rear areas.
"Our work continues. The list of priority enemy targets is constantly being updated," Pivnenko said.
The Saky airbase in occupied Crimea is one of Russia's key military aviation bases, regularly used to launch aircraft for strikes against Ukraine.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted the airbase. On the night of July 1, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) drones struck hangars housing Su-30 fighter jets at Saky airbase.
On July 3, the SBU launched another attack on the airbase, hitting seven aircraft hangars containing Su-30SM and Su-30 fighter jets, as well as Su-24 bombers.
