The numbers are staggering. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia’s 43rd Naval Assault Aviation Regiment—stationed at the occupied Saki airfield on Crimea—has seen more than half of its Su-30SM multirole fighters go down. That means 7 of the original 12 jets are now confirmed destroyed, with two more damaged—leaving the unit with less than half its original strength.
Recounting the losses:
- March 5, 2022: First Su-30SM shot down over Mykolaiv region; both pilots captured.
- August 9, 2022: Ukrainian strike on Saki airbase destroyed three Su-30SMs and damaged a fourth; also took out five Su-24s and damaged three.
- September 2024: Another Su-30SM was shot down—Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (special unit) using a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) over the Black Sea.
- May 2, 2025: Ukraine achieved a first—shooting down a Su-30SM over the Black Sea using an AIM-9 missile from a maritime drone.
- August 2025 (today): The seventh Su-30SM was lost in confirmed incident.
- Additionally, two Su-30SMs sustained damage during attacks at Saki—one in July 2025 executed by the long-range drone UJ-26 Bober.
These mounting losses constitute a severe blow to Russia’s air power in the Black Sea region, greatly diminishing operational capacity and morale.
Extra Context & Broader Impact
Black Sea Fleet under strain
Ukraine has successfully battered the Russian Black Sea Fleet, rendering it “functionally inactive” according to UK officials, and pushing most of its ships away from Crimean bases to safer harbors like Novorossiysk.
Strategic drone warfare
Kyiv’s growing use of sea drones and long-range munitions—like the AIM-9 launch via drone against the Su-30SM—marks a tactical shift, applying asymmetric pressure across air and naval fronts.
Psychological impact
Beyond material losses, these strikes have sown doubt and forced tactical pauses by Russian forces, as noted by Ukrainian Navy officials.
Fleet relocations and morale
The cumulative pressure has forced the Black Sea Fleet’s relocation, curtailed its dominance, and resulted in major setbacks symbolically and operationally for Moscow
