Ukrainian forces strike Russian airbase in Crimea: one jet destroyed, four damaged
Photo: Security Service drones destroy Su-30SM jet and damage four more aircraft (Getty Images)
Last night, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) special forces unit "A" launched a successful drone strike on a key Russian military airbase in temporarily occupied Crimea.
In the early hours of August 4, drones operated by the SBU's elite unit "A" struck the Saky airbase - one of the most important Russian aviation hubs supporting operations in the Black Sea.
The attack destroyed a weapons depot and five military aircraft.
One Su-30SM fighter jet was destroyed, and another of the same type was damaged. In addition, three Su-24 bombers were hit.
According to estimates, a single Su-30SM jet is worth between $35 and $50 million, making the loss a major blow to the Russian military.
This SBU special operation marks another step in weakening Russia's airpower and overall occupying forces.
"Occupiers must remember: they will never be safe on our land," the SBU stated.
Operation Spiderweb
Back on June 1, the SBU carried out a unique mission targeting Russian strategic bombers.
The operation was personally overseen by SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, under orders from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
SBU drones struck four major military bases: Olenya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo, and Belaya. According to Malyuk, more than 40 strategic aircraft were damaged in the drone strikes.
Later reports revealed that 34% of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers based at these airfields were taken out. The SBU also calculated the total losses Russia suffered in just one day of the operation, though they emphasized that the figure assumes no immediate aircraft replacement.
