Ukraine has destroyed a Russian Su-30 fighter jet over the Black Sea using a naval drone in what officials are calling a historic first in modern warfare.
At a Glance
- Ukraine used a naval drone to shoot down a $50 million Russian Su-30 fighter jet near Novorossiysk
- This marks the first time in history a sea-based drone has destroyed a manned combat aircraft
- The operation was conducted by Ukraine’s Group 13 special forces unit using Magura V5 drones
- Russia has not officially commented, though a Russian military blogger confirmed the incident
Historic Naval Drone Strike
Ukraine’s military intelligence has claimed a groundbreaking achievement in modern warfare after successfully using a naval drone to destroy a Russian Su-30 fighter jet over the Black Sea. The incident, which occurred on May 2, 2025, near the Russian port of Novorossiysk, represents the first documented case of a sea-based unmanned vessel downing a manned combat aircraft. Ukrainian officials stated the Russian jet caught fire and crashed into the sea following the strike from a missile launched by a Magura naval drone platform.
The mission was carried out by Ukraine’s special operations unit, Group 13, working in coordination with the Security Service of Ukraine and the armed forces. Ukraine’s military intelligence described the operation as a “first in the world,” emphasizing the significance of this tactical innovation in modern warfare. The Russian Su-30 fighter jet, valued at approximately $50 million, was completely destroyed in the attack. Over 30 Ukrainian sea drones were reportedly deployed near Novorossiysk during the operation.
Ukraine just keeps making military history – another historical first as a Russian fighter jet is taken down by Ukraine’s home grown naval drones.https://t.co/SRbMqA3DTD
— Kyiv Insider (@KyivInsider) May 3, 2025
Advanced Drone Technology
Ukraine has increasingly relied on drone technology to counter Russia’s conventional military advantage. The Magura V5 naval drone has become a critical component of Ukraine’s strategy after the country lost much of its naval fleet in the Black Sea. These unmanned vessels are capable of long-distance travel, guided remotely via Starlink satellite communications, and are designed to be difficult to detect by conventional radar systems. Their relatively low cost compared to traditional military hardware makes them an economical choice for Ukraine’s defense forces.
“Where the ruthless domain of Neptune claimed it,” Ukrainian officials said of the downed Russian fighter jet, highlighting the dramatic nature of the sea-based attack.
This isn’t the first time Ukraine has used Magura drones to target Russian military assets. In February 2024, these naval drones were employed to sink the Russian guided-missile ship Ivanovets. Additionally, Ukraine previously used similar drones to destroy Russian Mi-8 helicopters in December 2024, demonstrating a consistent pattern of exploiting this technology against various Russian military platforms. The DIU emphasized that “the fight continues,” signaling continued development of drone warfare capabilities.
Verification and Response
While CNN reported the story, the network noted it could not independently verify Ukraine’s claims about the downing of the fighter jet. The Russian government has not issued an official response to the incident, maintaining its typical silence regarding military losses. However, a Russian military blogger has reportedly confirmed the downing of the aircraft, providing some external corroboration of Ukraine’s claims. The absence of official Russian commentary follows a pattern seen throughout the conflict.
“The fight continues,” stated the DIU in its announcement of the successful operation, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to defending its territory and waters.
Ukrainian military intelligence publicly thanked contributors to the naval drone program, highlighting the role of innovation in the country’s defense strategy. This acknowledgment suggests a collaborative effort involving both military and civilian technological development. As drone warfare continues to evolve, this incident marks a significant milestone in military history—the first confirmed use of a sea-based drone to successfully engage and destroy an advanced fighter aircraft. The strategic implications of this capability will likely influence military planning and countermeasures throughout the ongoing conflict.
