Ukrainian Special Forces Destroy Russian Su-30SM Fighter Jet in Black Sea Operation

On September 11, Ukrainian special forces successfully destroyed a Russian Su-30SM combat aircraft in a covert operation in the Black Sea, according to the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense.

The fighter jet, which belonged to the 43rd separate naval aviation regiment based in Saki, Crimea, was downed using a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS).

Following the attack, Russian authorities launched a search and rescue operation involving aircraft and helicopters. The wreckage of the destroyed Su-30SM was eventually located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Cape Tarkhankut.

The aircraft, valued at approximately $50 million, was consedred to be a valuable asset to the Russian Air Force.

In May 2024, Statista estimated Russia had a total of 4,255 total military aircraft but as the war continues, the figures are changing daily.