Ukraine’s HUR Hits Rare Be-12 Aircraft and Assault Boats in Crimea Strike

Ukraine’s military intelligence unit, known as the “Prymary,” has carried out a coordinated strike in temporarily occupied Crimea. Russian amphibious, naval, and aviation assets were targeted in a single operation, the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry (HUR) reported on May 5.

According to the agency, the operation focused on degrading Russia’s ability to conduct amphibious assaults and sustain maritime operations on the peninsula. Among the primary targets were small assault landing boats used for rapid troop deployment along the coast.

In addition to the boats, Ukrainian forces hit a support vessel used to sustain naval operations, as well as a hangar facility where similar assault craft were stored and maintained.

The strike also targeted a Beriev Be-12 amphibious aircraft, known as the “Chaika,” a rare Soviet-era platform still used by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

The aircraft is primarily employed for maritime patrol, search-and-rescue operations, and detecting Ukrainian naval drones. With fewer than 20 such aircraft believed to remain operational, losses are difficult for Russia to replace.

Ukrainian operators struck and disabled three Project 05060 assault boats—compact, high-speed vessels designed to transport up to 10 troops and operate close to shore.

Built with lightweight aluminum hulls and capable of speeds of around 40 knots, these boats are equipped with heavy machine guns and are intended for quick strike and landing missions. Their loss directly impacts Russia’s ability to move troops and conduct small-scale amphibious operations.

Ukrainian intelligence said the operation formed part of a broader, systematic campaign to dismantle Russian military infrastructure in Crimea.

During the mission, one of the unit’s aircraft reportedly evaded a man-portable air-defense missile, allowing the strike to continue despite attempts to disrupt it.

Earlier, reports emerged that a Ukrainian naval drone strike reportedly killed the entire crew of a Russian Federal Security Service patrol boat during an operation near the Kerch Bridge.

Truth is Under Attack

We report the war as it unfolds directly from the people and places most affected by it. Your support helps us bring these stories to the world.

SUPPORT