Russian Su-30SM Fighter Jet Shot Down in the Black Sea by Ukrainian Forces. Photo: telegram @uac_ru
A Russian Su-30SM multirole fighter jet was shot down by special forces from Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate during an operation in the Black Sea.
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The attack, carried out with a portable air defense missile system (MANPADS), occurred on September 11, 2024, around 5:00 AM, according to a statement from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. The aircraft, belonging to the 43rd Separate Naval Aviation Regiment of the Russian Air Force, was based at the airfield in the city of Saky, located in Crimea, a region temporarily occupied by Russia. After losing contact with the Su-30SM, the Russians initiated a search and rescue operation about three hours later, involving An-26 aircraft and Mi-8 and Ka-27 helicopters.
Around noon, Russian forces informed command of the discovery of an aviation fuel stain about 70 kilometers northwest of Cape Tarkhankut, followed by the identification of the wreckage of the downed Su-30SM.
Despite the loss of this fighter in the conflict with Ukraine, Russia continues to produce the Su-30SM model. In August, the Russian Ministry of Defense received a new batch of Su-30SM2 multirole fighters.
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The Su-30SM is a fourth-generation multirole fighter developed by Russia. Based on the Su-30, it has been enhanced to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, attacks on land and maritime targets, and reconnaissance. The Su-30SM is known for its high maneuverability and is equipped with advanced radar, avionics, and weapon systems. In addition to operating over long distances, it can carry a variety of missiles and guided bombs.
Developed by Sukhoi, the Su-30SM is used by the Russian Air Force and the Russian Navy, and is also exported to several countries.
Source: Main Intelligence Directorate. Photo and video: Telegram @DIUkraine. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
