In an extraordinary military maneuver, Ukraine has declared the successful downing of two Russian Su-30 fighter jets in the Black Sea. This operation was executed using a sea-based unmanned surface vehicle (USV), marking a groundbreaking moment in military history.
The Ukrainian military launched AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles from these USVs, a first for both the technology and the missile. The Su-30 aircraft, each valued at approximately 50 million dollars, were engaged in combat on Friday, 2 May. The event is not only a military success but also an innovation in technological warfare.
The initial confirmation came via a video released by Ukrainian intelligence depicting one of the Russian jets crashing into the sea. Subsequently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the destruction of a second aircraft, withholding its model initially. In an interview with The War Zone, GUR President Kirilo Budanov affirmed both jets were Su-30s, highlighting the operation as a “historic moment”.
This marks the first instance worldwide of a manned fighter jet being downed by an air-to-air missile launched from a sea-based unmanned drone. The use of the American-made AIM-9 Sidewinder in this context is equally unprecedented. Traditionally, Sidewinder missiles have been employed exclusively by aircraft.
The operation utilized three Magura V7 naval drones, an enhanced version of the Magura V5, optimized for air defense missions. These drones, roughly 8 meters in length, feature a widened hull and fixed missile launchers capable of deploying advanced weaponry like the AIM-9. GUR President Budanov noted that various missile types were tested, but the AIM-9 demonstrated optimal compatibility with the Magura V7.
During the mission, two of the drones executed the attack, while the third provided support. Following the successful mission, Ukrainian authorities unveiled an image of the Magura V7 to the public for the first time, showcasing this innovative technology.
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