Ukraine destroys a Russian Su-30 aircraft using a naval drone: a world first!

On May 2, a Russian Su-30 multi-role fighter jet was shot down over the Black Sea during an airstrike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry officially reported.

The attack was carried out near Novorossiysk using a Magura naval combat drone, which used an R-73 air-to-air missile. The fighter jet, worth about $50 million, burned after the strike and crashed into the Black Sea.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, "this is the first time in world history that a combat aircraft has been shot down by a naval drone."

The Russian Defense Ministry has not yet commented on the incident, but several pro-Russian Telegram channels have confirmed the information.

The R-73 missile was originally developed in Soviet times and was originally intended for launch from fighter jets. Later, the missile was adapted for land and naval installations. At the same time, even before the start of a large-scale war, Ukrainian enterprises had already established a system for repairing and modernizing these missiles.

Interestingly, in December 2023, the Ukrainian military also used this system to destroy two Russian Mi-8 helicopters. Today's incident once again demonstrates the level of technology and innovation used by the Ukrainian armed forces. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!