Ukraine Downs Russian Su-30 Jet Using Sea Drone in Historic Strike

Ukraine achieved a historic military milestone by shooting down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet over the Black Sea using a missile-armed uncrewed surface vessel (USV), marking the first time a fast jet has been downed by such a naval drone. The attack, carried out by Ukraine's Group 13 using a Magura V5 USV reportedly armed with modified air-to-air missiles, took place near Novorossiysk, a key Russian port city. Footage released by Ukrainian authorities shows the drone striking the jet, which subsequently crashed into the sea; the Russian pilots ejected and were rescued. This innovative use of USVs reflects Ukraine’s evolving tactics to counter Russia’s air superiority over the Black Sea, with these drones previously credited for downing a Russian helicopter as well. The incident has prompted military analysts, especially in Russia, to question their current tactics and anticipate increased difficulty and cost in countering Ukraine’s small, agile, and now armed maritime drones. The technological shift is being closely watched by navies worldwide, as it signals a new era in naval warfare where uncrewed platforms play a growing role.