World First: Ukrainian Sea Drone Destroys Russian Su-30 Fighter Jet
On May 2, 2025, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (DIU) carried out a groundbreaking military operation: for the first time in global military history, a manned combat aircraft was destroyed by a sea drone, The Gaze reports.
A Russian Su-30 multirole fighter jet, worth approximately $50 million, was taken down over the Black Sea by a missile launched from the Magura naval drone platform. The operation was executed by DIU’s special operations unit Group 13, in coordination with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and Ukraine’s Defence Forces.
The dramatic incident took place near the Russian port of Novorossiysk, where elements of the Black Sea Fleet remain hidden. According to DIU, the aircraft burst into flames mid-air before crashing into the sea.
“This is the first time in the world that a sea drone has destroyed a combat aircraft,” Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence said in a statement.
The Su-30 is a key component of Russia’s air force capabilities and its destruction marks a significant blow to Moscow’s Black Sea operations. Ukrainian officials describe the achievement as not only a tactical success, but a symbolic moment demonstrating the strength of Ukrainian innovation and resilience.
This latest success follows an earlier world-first strike on December 31, 2024, when DIU forces used a Magura V5 naval drone to destroy two Russian Mi-8 helicopters mid-flight.
Ukrainian defence officials extended thanks to volunteers, donors, and journalists who support the continued development of the Magura drone program.
“We are deeply grateful to every Ukrainian who contributes to the production of Magura strike drones,” the DIU said.
Read more on The Gaze: How the War in Ukraine is Transforming Global Military Strategy