Ukraine Claims It Destroyed Russian Fighter Jet Using Sea Drone In Historic First

Ukraine has recently used a naval drone to destroy a Russian Su-30 fighter jet over the Black Sea. According to Ukraine’s military intelligence, this is the first time in the world that a manned combat aircraft has been shot down using a sea-based drone.

The incident took place on May 2, 2025, near the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) said that its special operations unit, Group 13, conducted the mission in coordination with the Security Service of Ukraine and the country’s armed forces.

The DIU stated that the strike was carried out using a missile launched from the Magura naval drone platform. The Russian jet, a multi-role Su-30 fighter estimated to cost around $50 million, caught fire in mid-air before crashing into the sea.

Ukrainian officials described the strike as a significant technological and tactical achievement. They stated that the aircraft burst into flames after being hit and eventually plunged into the water, describing the Black Sea as the final resting place “where the ruthless domain of Neptune claimed it.”

The Russian government has not commented on the reported loss, but a Russian military blogger known as Fighterbomber appeared to confirm the incident.

In a Telegram post, he claimed that over 30 Ukrainian sea drones were deployed near Novorossiysk. After the jet was struck, its crew ended up in the water surrounded by enemy drones.

World first: On May 2, 2025, the @DI_Ukraine special operations unit, in coordination with the Security Service of Ukraine and Defence Forces of Ukraine, eliminated a russian Su-30 fighter jet in the Black Sea.

🔗 https://t.co/DXhg74AKcg pic.twitter.com/Z4fP5CFRb8

— Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) May 3, 2025

CNN, which reported the story, mentioned that it could not independently verify Ukraine’s claims.

This strike is not the first time Ukraine has used its Magura drones in attacks.

Back in December 2024, Ukraine’s military intelligence said it destroyed two airborne Russian Mi-8 helicopters using the same type of naval drone. At the time, that too was described as a “first in the world.”

Ukraine is relying heavily on drones to fight Russia, which has a bigger army and more resources.

Since the loss of its navy in the Black Sea- following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and further attacks after the 2022 full-scale invasion, Ukraine has focused on developing remote and advanced tools like the Magura V5.

These sea drones are capable of traveling long distances across the Black Sea, guided remotely via Starlink and pre-programmed for missions. They are difficult to detect in open water, making them effective against Russian vessels and, now, aircraft.

In February 2024, Ukraine said it used ten Magura drones to sink the Russian guided-missile ship Ivanovets in the Black Sea. Six of the drones were said to have hit the vessel, causing it to sink.

One drone operator, in a rare interview with CNN, said the drones were hard for the Russians to spot, giving Ukraine a crucial advantage.

Ukraine’s military intelligence expressed gratitude to all those contributing to the development of its naval drone program. They thanked volunteers, donors, journalists, and all Ukrainians who support the production of the Magura strike drones.

The DIU stated that this new drone strike proves Ukraine’s commitment to defending its territory and waters through innovation, concluding, “The fight continues.”

Reference: GUR

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