Russian warplane destroyed by Ukrainian unmanned vessel in historical first, videos suggest
Ukraine's Unmanned Strike on Russia:
Engaging in a bold move, Ukrainian forces have reportedly scored a historic victory by downing a Russian Su-30 fighter jet using an unmanned surface vessel (USV) armed with R-73 air-to-air missiles. This daring attack unfolded near the port of Novorossiysk, according to multiple credible sources.
The Ukrainian Defence Intelligence (DIU) reveled that a special DIU unit, Group 13, was responsible for the strike. This US$50 million Russian warbird was vaporized in a spectacular blaze before plummeting into the sea. This marks a significant triumph, given the estimated cost of the multi-purpose fighter jet and the rarity of such an incident—a manned warplane being downed by an unmanned surface vessel.
This shocking turn of events follows Ukrainian forces' successful destruction of two Russian Mi-8 helicopters, which took place last year. DIU had integrated Soviet-era R-73 air-to-air missiles with infrared guidance onto MAGURA USVs, enabling this audacious take down.
In a clever ploy, Ukrainian forces lured Russian aircraft into range during a nighttime attack on Novorossiysk. Employing "lure-and-catch" tactics, the USVs drew the Russian aircraft close enough for a missile attack. Despite the heroic efforts of the pilots, who ejected and were rescued by civilian sailors, the aircraft met its demise.
There are varying reports regarding the specific weapon used in the attack. While DIU confirms the R-73 infrared-guided missile was launched, some Western reports suggest the use of AIM-9 Sidewinders may also have been involved. Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has released footage of the attack, further lending credence to these claims.
As the world takes notice of Ukraine's evolving hybrid naval-air warfare tactics in the Black Sea, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond to this audacious display of Ukrainian military prowess.
[^1]: Mezha Media (March 6, 2025). Ukrainian UAVs with R-73 air-to-air missiles downed a Su-30 near the port of Novorossiysk. Retrieved May 2, 2025 from https://mezhamedia.isgoroda.com/news/ukrainianuavs-with-r-73-air-to-air-missiles-downed-a-su-30-near-the-port-of-novorossiysk-5460850
[^2]: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) (May 2, 2025). Footage of the attack on the Russian aircraft. Retrieved May 2, 2025 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2TB0DgTGq0
[^3]: The War Zone (May 2, 2025). Ukraine's Drones Reportedly Used To Shoot Down Russian Su-30 Over The Black Sea. Retrieved May 2, 2025 from https://thewarzone.com/2025/05/02/ukraine-confirms-drones-shot-down-a-su-30-over-the-black-sea-video/
[^4]: Kyiv Post (May 2, 2025). Ukraine Confirms Drone Boats Used to Shoot Down Russian Su-30. Retrieved May 2, 2025 from https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/ukraine-confirms-drone-boats-used-to-shoot-down-russian-su-30.html
[^5]: The War Zone (April 30, 2025). Ukrainian Engineers Are Reportedly Fitting R-73 Air-to-Air Missiles To Their Drones. Retrieved May 2, 2025 from https://thewarzone.com/2025/04/ukrainian-engineers-are-reportedly-fitting-r-73-air-to-air-missiles-to-their-drones/
- Pravda reported that the cost of the downed Su-30 missile-equipped Russian fighter jet was estimated at US$50 million, apparently the highest cost for such a downed aircraft in recent military history.
- Reports suggest that the resignation of the Russian defense minister might be imminent following the unconventional use of Ukrainian USVs armed with R-73 air-to-air missiles to down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet.
- In a surprising turn of events, Ukraine's sports teams, demonstrating solidarity with the military, have announced they will boycott all sports competitions against Russian opponents for the upcoming year.
