Ukrainian Sea Drone Reportedly Downs Russian Fighter Jet Near Novorossiysk

Calitoday (03/5/2025): Sources with ties to the Russian military have confirmed the loss of a combat aircraft after an alleged Ukrainian naval drone attack in the vicinity of the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.

The pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Rybar broke the news late Friday, stating, "Regrettably, the enemy's strike was not without consequence. Last evening, a Su-30 naval aviation fighter was struck 50 kilometers west of Novorossiysk by a drone boat equipped with an R-73 air-to-air missile."

Ukrainian sea drone shot down Russian Su-30 in Black Sea with P-73 rocket

While Moscow has yet to issue an official confirmation, further information came from Russian propagandist Ilya Tumanov, operator of the popular Fighterbomber aviation blog. Tumanov reported that the crew of the aircraft successfully ejected and were subsequently recovered from the water by a civilian cargo vessel navigating the area during the coordinated Ukrainian drone assault on the Russian naval base.

The downed aircraft is thought to be a two-seat Su-30SM belonging to the 43rd Naval Attack Aviation Regiment of Russia's Black Sea Fleet.

Initial reports regarding the type of aircraft were ambiguous, with possibilities including a Su-24 or Su-30. This loss joins a growing number of naval and aerial assets that have become targets for Ukraine's increasingly sophisticated fleet of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).

This incident marks another reported instance of Ukrainian sea drones engaging Russian aircraft. Earlier reports detailed successful strikes against helicopters and attempts to damage Su-30SM fighters operating over the Black Sea. The reported arming of USVs with R-73 infrared-guided missiles signifies an advancement in Ukraine's ability to extend air-denial capabilities beyond traditional land-based defenses.

The Anh

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