SSU Drones Strike Two Su-27 Fighters at Belbek Airfield in Crimea

Long-range drones of the SSU’s Alpha Group hit two Su-27 aircraft at the Belbek airfield in occupied Crimea.

One of the planes was on the taxiway with a full load of ammunition and was ready for a combat mission. As a result of the attack, it was destroyed.

The second plane was also hit, which significantly reduces the capabilities of Russian aviation in this area.

Technicians could also be seen near the fighters, likely preparing the aircraft for combat missions or performing routine maintenance.

The fighters probably belong to the 38th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment PVO of the Russian Federation, which is based at the Belbek airfield. The unit was created in 2014 and is part of the 27th Mixed Aviation Division.

The regiment is armed with Su-27SM, Su-27UB and newer Su-30M2 fighters.

The Su-27SM is a modernized version with improved avionics and the ability to use modern air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.

Russia uses these aircraft to patrol the coastal zone of Crimea and intercept Ukrainian air and sea drones.

In addition to the aircraft, the airfield control tower was confirmed to have been hit.

This could complicate the organization and control of flights, creating additional problems for Russian aviation.

The attack on Belbek was the second successful operation by the SSU in recent days.

On December 18, Ukrainian drones inflicted significant losses on Russian equipment at the same airfield.