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Ukraine Knocks Out Two Russian Tu-142 “Submarine Hunter” Aircraft Near Taganrog
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Two Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft, among Russia’s primary platforms for anti-submarine warfare and long-range surveillance missions, were destroyed by Ukrainian long-range drones near Taganrog
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS) struck two Russian Tu-142 long-range maritime patrol aircraft and an Iskander tactical missile system during a drone operation near Taganrog in Russia’s Rostov region overnight on May 30.
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According to SBS Commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, the targets were hit by long-range drones operated by the 1st Separate Unmanned Systems Center. Brovdi announced the results on social media on May 30 and published footage that he said showed the strikes.
“Birds of the SBS destroyed an Iskander and 2 Tu-142 aircraft at a military airfield in Taganrog, Russia, during the night of May 30,” Brovdi stated.
According to Brovdi, the Tu-142 is a long-range anti-submarine warfare aircraft developed from the Soviet-era Tu-95 strategic bomber platform. The aircraft is primarily used by the Russian Navy for maritime patrol and submarine-hunting missions.
Brovdi also said the Iskander operational-tactical missile system was struck “at a launch position in the marshes on the outskirts of Taganrog.” The Iskander system is used by Russian forces to launch short-range ballistic and cruise missiles against targets in Ukraine.
The SBS commander indicated that additional targets may have been hit during the operation. “The result was not limited to the targets listed above; something near the water was also burning well. Video later,” he wrote.
According to Russian Rostov region governor Yuri Slyusar, a drone attack overnight caused fires at the Port of Taganrog, including a tanker, a fuel storage tank, and an administrative building. Russian authorities also reported a fire at an oil facility in the neighboring Krasnodar region.
The reported strikes come amid Ukraine’s continued long-range drone campaign against Russian military infrastructure, airfields, fuel facilities, and missile systems. If independently confirmed, the loss of two Tu-142 aircraft would represent one of the most significant reported attacks on Russia’s naval aviation assets during the war.
Earlier, on May 5, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported striking a rare Russian Be-12 amphibious aircraft and several Project 05060 assault boats in occupied Crimea. The Be-12, a Soviet-era maritime patrol aircraft used by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, is considered increasingly difficult to replace due to the limited number remaining in service.
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