Ukrainian Security Service Strikes Crimea Airbase, Disrupts Russian Military Operations
Saky, Crimea – In a meaningful escalation of long-range strike capabilities, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) successfully targeted the Saky military airbase in Crimea on Monday, inflicting substantial damage to Russian aircraft and munitions. The attack, carried out using drones, represents a continued effort to degrade Russia’s military infrastructure and hinder its ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Saky airbase is a strategically vital location for Russia, serving as a key hub for operations in the Black Sea region. From this airfield, Russian fighter jets regularly launch airstrikes against Ukrainian targets, conduct patrolling and surveillance missions, and provide escort for long-range bombers.
According to the SBU, the drone strikes resulted in the destruction of one Su-30SM fighter jet, damage to another, and impacts on three Su-24 strike bombers. The aviation weapons depot at the base was also hit. The SBU estimates the damage to be worth millions of pounds. “The accomplished special operation…marks another step toward weakening the enemy’s capacity to wage its war of aggression,” an SBU spokesperson stated.
Understanding the hardware:
Su-30SM: This twin-engine,two-seat multirole fighter aircraft is a cornerstone of the Russian air Force,entering production in the early 2010s. The SBU values each unit between £26.3 million and £37.6 million. Its versatility allows it to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Su-24: A Soviet-era, twin-engine supersonic strike bomber, the Su-24 has been in service as the early 1970s. It’s designed for all-weather operations and carries a significant payload of bombs and missiles.
Broader Context: Ukraine’s Expanding Strike Range
This attack follows a series of increasingly bold ukrainian operations targeting Russian territory. In early June, the SBU conducted “Operation Spiderweb,” a year-long planned drone campaign against Russian strategic nuclear bomber bases deep inside Russia. That operation reportedly damaged or destroyed at least 20 bombers, ten of which were fully destroyed. These strikes demonstrate Ukraine’s growing ability to reach targets previously considered beyond its reach, largely attributed to advancements in drone technology and intelligence gathering.
Further Strikes Reported:
On Tuesday morning, ukrainian drones also targeted the Tatsinskaya Railway Station in russia’s Rostov region. Eyewitness video showed a large fire erupting at the site. The station serves as a critical logistics hub for a nearby oil refinery and is used for grain transport.
While Rostov’s acting governor, Yury Slyusar, downplayed the damage, claiming only a garden shed and a substation were affected, the incident highlights Ukraine’s continued focus on disrupting Russian supply lines. Slyusar reported a 500 square meter substation fire was extinguished, and a shed fire was quickly contained, with no reported injuries.
Key Takeaways:
Increased Ukrainian capabilities: Ukraine is demonstrating a sustained ability to strike targets deep within russian territory.
Strategic Importance of Saky Airbase: The airbase is a vital component of Russia’s Black Sea military operations.
Degradation of Russian Air Power: The attacks are aimed at weakening Russia’s air force and its capacity to conduct offensive operations.
Focus on Logistics: Targeting railway stations indicates a strategy to disrupt Russian supply lines.
* Data Warfare: Discrepancies in damage assessments (e.g., Rostov governor’s report vs. eyewitness accounts) highlight the ongoing information war.