Aviation News – Ukrainian long-range drones have struck two Russian Su-27 fighter jets at the Belbek military airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea, dealing a blow to Moscow’s air operations in the region. The attack underscores Kyiv’s growing ability to hit high-value military targets deep behind enemy lines.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said the strike took place on December 20 and was carried out by long-range drones operated by its Special Operations Center “A,” also known as Alpha. Belbek airfield, located near Sevastopol, has served as a key Russian hub for fighter aircraft deployment and air defense positioning on the Crimean Peninsula since its occupation.
According to the SBU, one of the Su-27 fighters was positioned on a taxiway with a full combat load and was preparing for a sortie when it was destroyed. The use of long-range drones highlights Ukraine’s expanding operational reach, allowing precision strikes against critical aviation assets with speed and accuracy, like a bolt hitting a strategic weak point.
“Long-range drones of the SBU’s Alpha Special Operations Center hit two Su-27 aircraft at the Russian military airfield in Belbek,” the agency said in a statement, emphasizing that the attack disrupted Russia’s ability to conduct immediate combat missions from the base.
The strike points to a future in which unmanned systems play an even greater role in shaping airpower balance, particularly in contested territories. For Ukraine, continued development and deployment of long-range drones could further limit Russian air operations and pressure logistics hubs across occupied areas.
In summary, the attack on Belbek airfield highlights a shift in modern warfare, where drones increasingly challenge traditional air superiority. As Ukraine refines these capabilities, such strikes are likely to remain a critical element of its broader defense and deterrence strategy.