In a historic and unprecedented event in modern warfare, a Ukrainian naval drone has successfully shot down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet, marking the first known instance of a fighter aircraft being destroyed by an unmanned surface vessel equipped with air defense missiles.
The incident occurred near the Crimean coastline, where a Ukrainian Magura-class naval drone, reportedly armed with AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, engaged and downed the Russian aircraft.
According to Ukrainian defense sources, both Russian pilots aboard the jet were killed in the strike.
The Magura drone, a recent addition to Ukraine’s evolving arsenal of unmanned combat technologies, represents a major leap in naval drone warfare capabilities.
Traditionally used for reconnaissance and explosive attacks against ships, the integration of air defense missiles into the drone’s weapon system marks a significant tactical advancement.
Military analysts have described the development as a turning point in naval and aerial combat, demonstrating that unmanned maritime platforms can now pose a credible threat to advanced aerial assets.
The Russian military has not yet issued an official response to the reported loss of the Su-30 aircraft and its crew.
