Ukraine’s military intelligence service said its special forces destroyed two Russian Be-12 “Chaika” amphibious aircraft in occupied Crimea, the first confirmed combat loss of the Soviet-era planes.
The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR) reported that the strike was carried out by its “Ghosts” unit on Sunday.
“This is the first strike on Be-12 aircraft in history,” GUR said. “The Be-12 Chaika amphibious planes are equipped with costly systems for detecting and combating submarines.”
Video released by the agency showed drones targeting aircraft on the ground before detonating.
For the first time in history 🔥
The warriors from the @DI_Ukraine destroyed two russian Be-12 Chayka amphibious aircraft. Be-12s amphibious aircraft are equipped with expensive equipment for detecting and combating submarines. This is the first ever strike on a Be-12.
The… pic.twitter.com/s8MskN8ZAo— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 22, 2025
During the raid in Crimea, the “Ghosts” also struck a Russian Mi-8 multirole helicopter, according to GUR.
Moscow has not commented on the reported losses, and the claims could not be independently verified.
The Be-12, designed by the Beriev bureau in the 1950s and introduced in 1963, was built to track submarines. About 143 were produced, some later converted for firefighting or rescue.
Though largely obsolete, a small number remain with Russia’s Black Sea Fleet for maritime patrols.
Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, has been a frequent target of Ukrainian strikes on air defenses, radar systems, and aviation assets. Just a day before the Be-12 strike, GUR reported destroying three Mi-8 helicopters along with a Russian 55Zh6U “Nebo-U” radar system.
The warriors from the @DI_Ukraine struck three enemy Mi-8 multipurpose helicopters, as well as an expensive russian 55Zh6U “Nebo-U” radar.
Great work🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ai2TZoyZy9— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 21, 2025
