Ukrainian Sea Drone Shot Down Russian Su-30 Fighter Jet in World’s First-Ever Strike, Video

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Agency (HUR) has confirmed the destruction of a Russian Su-30 fighter jet by a Magura sea drone, marking the first recorded instance of a military aircraft being eliminated by a maritime drone system.

According to the intelligence service on May 3, the strike was carried out in the Black Sea near the port of Novorossiysk — a strategic location where Russia has relocated key assets of its Black Sea Fleet.

The operation was conducted by Ukraine’s HUR special unit Group 13, in coordination with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and other Defense Forces.

The multipurpose Su-30 fighter, estimated to cost approximately $50 million, was reportedly hit by a missile launched from the Magura V5 drone platform. The aircraft caught fire in mid-air and subsequently crashed into the sea.

The agency emphasized the significance of this strike, calling it the first known case of a sea drone being used to down a combat aircraft.

This follows a previous operation on December 31, 2024, when the same drone type was used to destroy two Russian Mi-8 helicopters — also described at the time as a global first for maritime drone warfare.

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