Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) announced on 4/8 that its Alpha special forces unit used suicide drones to attack the Saky military airbase in Crimea.
"The attack hit an aviation weapons depot. One Su-30SM fighter jet was completely destroyed and another was damaged. Three Su-24 attack aircraft were also hit. The enemy suffered heavy losses, as each Su-30SM costs between 35 and 50 million USD," the statement said.
The SBU did not provide evidence of the attack or the Russian losses.
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A Russian Su-30SM fighter jet at an undisclosed airbase in July 2022. Photo: RIA Novosti |
A Russian Su-30SM fighter jet at an undisclosed airbase in July 2022. Photo: RIA Novosti
AMK Mapping, an X account that tracks open-source intelligence data on the war, said a drone attack on the Saky base did occur, but added that "claims of damage cannot yet be confirmed."
The Russian Ministry of Defence has not commented on the Ukrainian information. The ministry said Russian air defenses intercepted a total of 61 Ukrainian drones on 4/8, including 18 over the Black Sea and 11 over the Crimean Peninsula. The total number of Ukrainian drones launched and related losses were not mentioned.
The attack is part of Ukraine's efforts to weaken Russian military infrastructure in Crimea. In recent months, Ukraine has deployed drones and unmanned aerial vehicles targeting radar, air defense systems, and ammunition depots in the region.
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Location of the Saky base (red dot). Graphics: RYV |
Location of the Saky base (red dot). Graphics: RYV
The Saky airbase is home to the Russian 43rd Fighter Regiment, which regularly hosts Su-30SM multirole fighters, Su-24 attack aircraft, and other aircraft. At least five Inokhodets armed drones have been seen at the base.
The Saky base has been repeatedly targeted by Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict. One of the most notable attacks occurred in August 2022, causing secondary explosions at an ammunition depot at the airbase and reportedly destroying eight to nine aircraft.
Pham Giang (Militaryni, Ukrainska Pravda, RIA Novosti)
