A Russian Su-30, with an estimated value of $50 million, was shot down by Ukraine over the Black Sea during an operation in September 2024.

On 12 September 2024, Ukraine claimed responsibility for the destruction of a Russian Su-30SM, a multi-purpose fighter aircraft valued at $50 million (approximately €47 million). The aircraft belonged to the 43rd Crimean Naval Aviation Regiment, and was shot down over the Black Sea by a man-portable air defence system. The incident provoked an immediate response from Russia, which launched a search and rescue operation, confirming that contact with the aircraft had been lost. No further information on the Ukrainian operation has been released.

Details of the operation over the Black Sea

The Russian Su-30SM was shot down over the Black Sea, around 70 km north-west of Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, a strategic area of great importance for military operations in the region. According to Ukrainian military intelligence, the plane was destroyed by a man-portable air defence system, although the exact model of this system was not specified.

Fighter aircraft such as the Su-30SM are multi-purpose aerial platforms, capable of interception, ground attack and air superiority missions. Their destruction represents a strategic loss for Russia, especially as each aircraft costs around $50 million (around €47 million), including weapons systems, stealth technology and advanced navigation systems.

This type of incident highlights the effectiveness of Ukrainian defence systems, which are capable of shooting down high value-added aircraft with relatively light means, such as portable air defence systems. This asymmetric approach enables Ukraine to maximise its resources while inflicting significant losses on the Russian air force.

Consequences for Russia and military response

The loss of an aircraft like the Su-30SM is not only a material setback, but also a blow for Russia in the region. The 43rd Naval Aviation Regiment based at Saky, in occupied Crimea, plays a key role in the surveillance and air defence of this strategic area. The loss of an aircraft from this regiment temporarily reduces Russia’s ability to carry out air missions in this sensitive region.

Following the destruction of the aircraft, Russia launched a search and rescue operation involving Mi-8 and Ka-27 helicopters, as well as an An-26 aircraft. This rapid mobilisation demonstrates the importance attached by Moscow to the recovery of pilots and equipment following an incident of this scale. Despite these efforts, Russian military intelligence reported finding only a spot of fuel and debris from the aircraft, confirming its destruction.

Strategic impact on air operations in Crimea

Russia’s material losses in the Crimea region have multiplied since the start of the conflict, with an intensification of Ukrainian strikes against military infrastructure and air bases. According to Ukrainian sources, only five air bases are still in operation in occupied Crimea, two of which have suffered recent strikes, limiting their operational capacity.

The fact that these airbases are operating at minimum compromises Russia’s ability to maintain a robust air presence in the region. It also affects Russian maritime operations, in particular the protection of its ships and the surveillance of infrastructures such as offshore drilling platforms. This weakening of Russia’s air infrastructure in Crimea could influence future operations in the region, making it more difficult to support land and naval forces.

The Su-30SM: characteristics and role in the Russian air force

The Su-30SM is a modernised version of the Su-30, developed by Sukhoi. It is equipped with thrust vector engines and advanced avionics systems, making it capable of performing complex manoeuvres at high speed. With a maximum speed of 2120 km/h and a range of 3000 km, this aircraft is designed for air superiority and precision strikes. It can carry up to 8 tonnes of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles and guided bombs.

These features make it a major asset for Russia, particularly in the Black Sea region, where it is used for surveillance, airspace defence and strikes against strategic Ukrainian targets. However, the loss of such a large aircraft illustrates the vulnerability of Russian aircraft to Ukrainian air defence systems, despite their high technology.

Prospects for Ukraine and the strengthening of its defence capabilities

Ukraine’s ability to shoot down a Su-30SM demonstrates the growing effectiveness of its defence systems. Although the Ukrainian army does not have the same technological or financial resources as Russia, it is optimising its resources to maximise its strategic gains. By using man-portable air defence systems, Ukraine is reducing Russia’s air superiority and limiting its freedom of action in the region.

This incident also highlights the importance for Ukraine of continuing to strengthen its defensive capabilities, particularly through international assistance. Air defence systems supplied by allied countries play a key role in protecting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and neutralising Russian air threats.

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