Ukrainian Sea Drone Takes Down Two Russian Su-30s With American AIM-9 Missiles Near Crimea, Video

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov has confirmed that two Russian Su-30SM fighter jets were shot down over the Black Sea using AIM-9 air-to-air missiles launched from Magura-class unmanned surface vessels.

The strike marks the first documented instance of a sea drone downing manned fighter aircraft with such weaponry.

According to Budanov, the operation took place on May 2 and involved three Magura V7 drones operated by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine and the Armed Forces. Two of the drones launched AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles at the aircraft.

The drones used in the strike were modified Magura-7 platforms, described as an air-defense variant of the Magura-5 naval drone, capable of launching infrared-guided air-to-air missiles.

The drones were deployed in the direction of Novorossiysk, a key naval hub of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, where Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted Kalibr missile carriers.

Budanov stated that one of the Su-30 crews ejected and survived, reportedly rescued by a civilian vessel. The second aircraft’s crew was killed.

The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a US-produced short-range missile equipped with an infrared homing system. Ukraine is believed to be using the AIM-9M and AIM-9X variants.

The missiles, traditionally launched from aircraft, were adapted to launch from a sea-based platform. When fired from a stationary or sea-based system, their effective range is approximately 10 kilometers.

The Su-30 aircraft reportedly belonged to Russia’s 43rd Naval Attack Aviation Regiment, based at the temporarily occupied Saky airfield in Crimea. Ukrainian officials said the aircraft were likely conducting patrols in support of the Russian Navy when they were intercepted.

Earlier, on the morning of May 2, Russian officials declared a local alert in Novorossiysk and restricted access to coastal areas due to a reported threat of surface drone attacks.

The following day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the destruction of a second Russian aircraft in Crimea, highlighting the growing reach of Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities.

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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