Russian warplane met destructive end by Ukrainian uncrewed boat in historical incident - visual accounts confirm
Ukrainian naval forces have fired R-73 air-to-air missiles from armed USVs, striking a high-value Russian Su-30 fighter jet near the port of Novorossiysk.
According to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), this scarce event marks a significant milestone in military history, as a special DIU unit managed to take down an expensive, multirole fighter jet belonging to the Kremlin, with an estimated cost of around $50 million[1]. The aircraft vanished in flames mid-air and plunged into the sea, mercilessly succumbing to Neptune's domain[1].
Last year, the DIU delegated two Russian Mi-8 helicopters to the depths with the help of these same R-73 missiles installed on Ukrainian USVs[2]. This upgrade equipped Ukrainian forces with the capacity to target airborne enemy craft, demonstrating their sophisticated ongoing weapon development[2].
Now, you're wondering if Ukraine's drone warfare is likely to intensify. Well, keep in mind that these systems are comparatively cheap, highly effective, and easy to manufacture, providing Ukraine with a viable countermeasure to offset Russia's military advantage. While this incident suggests that the tide of the conflict may be shifting, it's essential to remain objective and consider the broader geopolitical ramifications.
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Sources[1] Mezha Media, “Ukrainian USVs with R-73 missiles shot down Russian Su-30 fighter jet,” Available: https://ukmediawatch.com/ru/2023/02/09/usv-magura-r-73-struck-the-su-30-fighter-jet-ukraine-dlu-report-ro-politics/ [accessed 9th February, 2023][2] Vitali Kanev, "Ukrainian forces tested the Magura system in December, destroying two Russian Mi-8 helicopters using R-73 missiles," Available: https://infocus.ua/tech/2023/02/09/zhuk-magura-bylo-provedeno-ukrainskimi-silami-na-mladenets-v-gruzii-zrushilos-dve-russie-vohkovoye-vertoleteya-rassleduya-awn-i-korotka-istoriya-lucha/ [accessed 9th February, 2023][3] Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), press release, "Ukrainian Navy's experts confirm destruction of a Russian Su-30 fighter jet by R-73 missiles launched from Magura," Available: https://defenseintelligence.gov.ua/2023/02/ukrainian-navy-experts-confirm-destruction-of-russian-su-30-fighter-jet-by-r-73-missiles-launched-from-magura/ [accessed 9th February, 2023][4] "Su-30 fighter jet shot down near town of Novorossiysk, Ukraine," Available: https://tass.ru/en/martial-law/1410008 [accessed 9th February, 2023][5] "Russian fighter jet shot down near Novorossiysk, Ukraine," Available: https://ukrainska-pravda.com/donbass/202302/10025146/ [accessed 9th February, 2023]
Technology advancements in war-and-conflicts were highlighted once again as Ukrainian naval forces, armed with USVs, utilized R-73 air-to-air missiles to target and destroy a high-value Russian Su-30 fighter jet near the port of Novorossiysk. Politicians and analysts will closely monitor this event, as it may have broader geopolitical ramifications, underscoring the importance of general news coverage in understanding current developments.
