Ukrainian scouts take down Russian Su-30SM fighter with MANPADS in Black Sea operation

Ukrainian intelligence's special unit fighters successfully took down a Russian Su–30SM fighter jet in an operation on the Black Sea, using a targeted hit from MANPADS.

The press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reports this.

"During the operation in the waters of the Black Sea, the soldiers of the special unit of Ukraine's intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine destroyed a Russian Su-30SM combat aircraft by a hit from MANPADS," the message reads.

It is noted that the Russian forces lost communication with their fighter jet on September 11, 2024, at approximately 5 a.m.

About three hours later, the Russians initiated a search and rescue operation utilizing the following aircraft:

• an An–26,
• as well as Mi–8 and Ka–27 helicopters.

During lunch, the invaders informed the command of a distinct fuel stain found in the sea, 70 kilometers northwest of Tarkhankut Cape. Soon after, they also spotted the remnants of the destroyed Su-30SM.

The jet that went down in the ocean belonged to the 43rd separate naval aviation regiment of the Russian Air Force, stationed at Saka Airfield in the Russian-occupied Crimea.

The cost of such an aircraft is approximately 50 million dollars.

For reference:

The Su-30 (the Flanker-C under NATO codification) is a two-seat, multi-role fighter produced in the Soviet Union and Russia. It belongs to the 4++ generation and was built using the Su-27UB as its foundation. It was specifically designed to control the skies, conduct extended patrols and escort missions, carry out radar surveillance, and provide guidance and command. It can also serve as both a training and combat aircraft.

Unlike the Su-27UB, the Su-30 can carry out combat missions that involve flying long distances for extended periods and effectively coordinating a group of fighters.

The Su–30 aircraft utilized in-flight refueling systems, navigation technology, and enhanced group action control equipment while also upgrading the life support system. Incorporating new missiles and a more advanced weapons control system improved the aircraft's combat capabilities considerably.

It should be noted that in the Donetsk region, soldiers from the air defense unit of the 28th separate mechanized brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign shot down a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft.

On July 23, the Defense Forces shot down another Russian Su-25 fighter jet over the Donetsk region.

Fighters of the 110th brigade also shot down such an attack aircraft on the same front on July 19.

In addition, military anti-aircraft fighters of the 110th separate mechanized brigade named after Marko Bezruchko shot down a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft on July 7 in the Donetsk region.

Earlier, the fighters of the 31st brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine managed to shoot down a Russian Su-25.

Also, on June 11, the General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces announced that the Defense Forces of Ukraine shot down a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft on the Pokrovsk front.

Furthermore, in early June, Ukrainian intelligence announced the destruction of a Su–57 at the airfield in the Astrakhan region, citing satellite images of the aircraft parking area.

In total, over the past six months, Ukraine's Defense Forces have destroyed more than 30 aircraft of the Russian army. As of September 12, Russia lost 370 aircraft and 328 helicopters since the start of the full-scale war.