Ukraine has successfully downed one of Russia’s high-value Su-30 fighter jets using a missile-equipped naval drone, marking what it claims is a world-first in warfare.
Dramatic footage shows the £38 million jet being struck mid-air over the Black Sea by a Magura V5 uncrewed surface vessel, operated by Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence. The attack occurred near Novorossiysk, a key Russian port city.
According to Ukrainian officials, the drone launched vertically and hit the aircraft in a fiery explosion, causing it to break apart and crash into the sea.
The Ministry of Defence declared the event a major milestone, stating that “war at sea is entering a new era.” While the Kremlin has yet to comment, a Russian blogger close to the Defence Ministry confirmed the aircraft was taken down, noting the pilots ejected and were rescued by civilian vessels.
This strike follows a similar success last December, when a Magura V5 reportedly shot down a £12 million Russian M-8 helicopter. Ukraine’s sea drones have long been vulnerable to air attacks, but with technological advancements, Kyiv has bolstered its naval drone capabilities — including jet-ski-based drones with heat-seeking missiles and the Sea Baby one-way attack boats.
Meanwhile, the war continues to rage inland.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned recent Russian drone attacks on Kharkiv that left over 40 civilians injured. He accused Russia of targeting homes at night, saying the world’s indecision enables continued bloodshed.
These developments follow an announcement from former President Donald Trump that the U.S. will withdraw from its role as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks. The shift came after Putin rejected a proposed ceasefire, offering only a brief three-day truce. The U.S. recently signed a minerals deal with Ukraine but now signals a change in its diplomatic approach.
Ukraine’s innovative naval drone strategy has significantly altered the balance in the Black Sea, crippling Russia’s once-dominant fleet and dealing high-profile blows — including attacks on Putin’s prized Crimean bridge.
A Ukrainian general known as “Hunter” told The Sun that these uncrewed vessels have transformed naval combat, helping Ukraine challenge Russia’s control and defend its coastline.
