The Ukrainian special unit known as the “Ghosts” carried out a major strike against the Russian Hvardiyske airbase, near Simferopol in occupied Crimea, destroying two Mi-8 helicopters and also hitting a Russian tugboat of the BUK-2190 project.
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According to the press service of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), the attack took place on the morning of August 30, when reconnaissance and strike drones managed to penetrate the Russian base’s defenses. One drone hit the rear section of a Mi-8 helicopter, while another damaged a second aircraft of the same type.
Tugboat and large-scale fire
In addition to the helicopters, a third drone was directed against a vessel identified as a tugboat, broadening the scope of the offensive. The impact caused a large-scale fire at the base, confirmed by satellite images, which also showed the destruction of at least one Mi-8 and the misidentification of another aircraft as a Mi-24.
At the time of the attack, the base also hosted three additional Mi-8 helicopters, three Mi-24 attack helicopters, as well as An-26 transport aircraft and a Tu-134UBL.
Radar destruction cleared the way
The operation against Hvardiyske was preceded by the destruction of the 91N6 radar station of Russia’s S-400 air defense system, also in Crimea, which opened the way for more extensive use of long-range drones against strategic targets.
Throughout 2025, the “Ghosts” have conducted a systematic campaign against Russian radars and air defense systems on the peninsula, enabling new precision strikes. Just last month, joint operations by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence and Security Service (SBU) resulted in damage to up to six Russian fighter jets at the Saki airfield.
Source and images: Militarnyi | Telegram @DIUkraine. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
