Sea Drone Shoots Down Fighter Jet In Russia During Active War

In a tale of modern warfare, a Ukrainian sea drone has shot down a Russian fighter jet marking the first recorded incident in which a naval drone has downed a combat aircraft. This historic event unfolded near Novorossiisk, a key port city on the Black Sea.

According to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), the strike was carried out by Group 13, a specialized unit within the agency, using a Magura V5 sea drone. The unmanned vessel was reportedly armed with an R-73 surface-to-air missile, which successfully locked onto and destroyed a Russian Su-30 Flanker fighter jet mid-air. The $50 million aircraft plunged into the sea following the missile strike, captured in footage later shared on Telegram by Ukraine’s GUR.

This event, unprecedented in military history, marks the first time a combat aircraft has been destroyed by a naval drone, illustrating a new frontier in drone warfare. A Russian military blogger, known by the pseudonym Rybar, confirmed the incident and added that the two pilots ejected and survived, rescued by nearby civilian ships. “To hell with the plane,” he remarked bluntly.

The Magura V5 drone has rapidly become a formidable tool in Ukraine’s defense strategy. Developed by the Ukrainian defense sector, this multi-role unmanned surface vessel is designed for surveillance, patrolling, reconnaissance, rescue missions, and offensive strikes. It previously made headlines in December 2024, when it reportedly shot down two Russian Mi-8 helicopters, proving its versatility against airborne threats.

The Magura’s ability to launch air-to-air or surface-to-air missiles like the R-73, traditionally used in manned aircraft combat, highlights how USVs can now take on dual roles as naval and aerial defense units.

This event carries profound strategic implications for naval and aerial combat. Russian Su-30 jets have been used extensively to counter Ukraine’s USV operations. Now, this very tactic has backfired—with the hunter becoming the hunted. The use of naval drones as mobile anti-air platforms complicates airspace control and raises costs for traditional air operations.

Going forward, Russian jets may be forced to operate at greater distances, relying on more expensive stand-off weapons that might still struggle to neutralize small, agile USVs. This shift not only complicates Russia’s Black Sea strategy but could influence global naval doctrines.

As naval drones prove themselves capable of downing both helicopters and high-speed jets, navies worldwide may be forced to rethink traditional vessel protection and air dominance protocols.

While the Kremlin has not officially commented, sources close to the Russian Defense Ministry and open-source intelligence confirm the loss of the Su-30. With Novorossiisk being a major hub for the relocated Russian Black Sea Fleet, the incident also underlines the growing reach and boldness of Ukraine’s remote warfare capabilities.