Aviation News – Ukrainian forces launched a series of coordinated strikes against Russian military assets in occupied Crimea and Zaporizhzhia Oblast, successfully hitting patrol ships and specialized aircraft. The operation, announced by the General Staff on Feb. 21, marks a significant blow to Russia’s maritime and aerial surveillance capabilities in the Black Sea region.
The targeted strikes took place near Sevastopol and Yevpatoria, focusing on high-value hardware utilized by the Russian Coast Guard and Naval Aviation. Ukrainian forces hit two Project 22460 Hunter border patrol ships, which are modern Rubin-class vessels designed to counter surface and airborne threats. Additionally, the attack reached the Yevpatoria Aviation Repair Plant, where two Be-12 Chayka amphibious aircraft were stationed, repeating a successful strike pattern first seen against this specific model in September 2025.
The destruction of the Be-12 Chayka is technically significant as these Soviet-designed amphibious planes serve as dedicated anti-submarine platforms. Equipped with specialized sensors for detecting and engaging underwater targets, the Be-12 plays a critical role in Russia’s combat operations over the Black Sea. By neutralizing these assets, Ukraine limits the Russian military’s ability to monitor maritime corridors and protect its fleet from subsurface or seaborne drone threats.
This latest escalation indicates that Ukraine is maintaining its reach into the occupied peninsula, systematically dismantling the infrastructure required for Russian regional dominance. As the conflict continues, the loss of rare airframes like the Be-12 will likely force the Russian military to adjust its anti-submarine warfare strategies.
The strike on the Yevpatoria Aviation Repair Plant and the waters near Sevastopol underscores the ongoing vulnerability of Russian logistics in Crimea. With these assets out of commission, the tactical pressure on the Russian Black Sea fleet continues to mount, suggesting a future of further aerial and naval attrition.
