Ukrainian drones struck the Kirovske military airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea, destroying multiple helicopters and a key air defense system, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
The SBU said the attack, which was carried out overnight on Friday and Saturday, eliminated a Mi-8, Mi-26, and Mi-28 helicopter, along with a Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun system. The drones also hit ammunition depots and facilities housing reconnaissance and strike drones.
“The SBU is systematically working to degrade Russia’s ability to carry out aerial bomb attacks on Ukrainian territory,” the SBU said on its Telegram channel. “The occupiers must understand that their expensive military equipment and ammunition are not safe anywhere — neither on the front line, nor in temporarily occupied territories, nor deep in enemy rear areas.”
Earlier that day, Ukrainian drones also struck four Su-34 fighter jets at Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd region, the Ukrainian military said.
The attack comes weeks after an operation by the SBU damaged Russian heavy bombers at four airbases. According to the SBU, the strike caused an estimated $7 billion in damage and disabled 34% of Russia’s cruise missile carrier fleet.
According to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russia has lost 420 aircraft and 337 helicopters since February 2022, though these figures remain unverified.
