Ukraine announced a historic drone strike that allegedly targeted and destroyed two of the extremely rare Be-12 “Tchaika” amphibious aircraft of the Russian Navy.
The strike, claimed by Ukrainian intelligence (GUR), took place at the Kacha air base in annexed Crimea and is described as the first of its kind against this type of aircraft. Released footage shows kamikaze drones hitting the aircraft and a Mi-8 helicopter, allegedly eliminating all three.
+ Saab leads NATO project to create a new submarine operations network
The loss is significantly important for Russia, which already had a very limited fleet of these Soviet-era aircraft, estimated at between four and six operational units. If the destruction is confirmed, Russia’s operational capacity with the Be-12 could have been cut in half.
These aircraft have been crucial for Moscow, adapted from their original anti-submarine warfare role to patrol the waters of the Black Sea, where they attempt to detect and counter the growing threat of Ukrainian drone boats.
This strike is part of Ukraine’s broader campaign to deny Russian control over Crimea, systematically targeting high-value assets such as radars and aircraft, both at bases on the peninsula and deeper inside Russian territory. The shortage of spare parts and successive ground strikes now raise a question mark over the future of the Be-12 — an aircraft that had survived the dissolution of the USSR but may see its long career end not in the air, but on the ground.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @DefenceU | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
For the first time in history 🔥
The warriors from the @DI_Ukraine destroyed two russian Be-12 Chayka amphibious aircraft. Be-12s amphibious aircraft are equipped with expensive equipment for detecting and combating submarines. This is the first ever strike on a Be-12.
The… pic.twitter.com/s8MskN8ZAo— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 22, 2025
