SSU Exposed Russian Network That Was Hunting for F-16s and Mirage 2000s

The SSU’s military counterintelligence unit exposed a Russian military intelligence network that was gathering data on aviation infrastructure and F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets.

This was reported on the website of the Security Service of Ukraine.

The network consisted of 14 individuals from various regions of Ukraine. Initially, Russian intelligence recruited a resident of Lviv who administered a Telegram channel about aviation and posted photographs of Ukrainian combat aircraft in pro-Kremlin chat rooms.

To carry out the missions, he enlisted 13 of his subscribers who had high-quality photography equipment and lived near the Defense Forces’ aviation infrastructure.

They photographed Ukrainian airfields, military aircraft, their crews, and technical personnel, and also recorded takeoff and landing times.

To do this, they used professional cameras, hiding in abandoned buildings or in open areas near air bases.

The photographic materials were stored in an online repository, access to which was provided by a resident of Lviv. From there, he forwarded them to his handler in Russia, whose identity the SSU has already established.

In addition, the agent ‘leaked’ flight schedules for combat helicopters to the Russians. This information was provided to him by a commander of a Ukrainian Armed Forces aviation squadron, who acted on his own initiative.

During searches of the suspects’ premises, authorities seized smartphones and digital photography equipment containing evidence of activities on behalf of the enemy, as well as photographs of Defense Forces aviation facilities.

The SSU also blocked four Telegram channels and 10 thematic groups where photographs and other data about the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ aviation units were being disseminated.

Currently, the detained agent, his accomplice, and a military servicemember have been notified that they are suspected of committing crimes against the foundations of national security.

In late July, the SSU reported the detention of FSB agents who attempted to eliminate several dozen Ukrainian servicemembers by organizing a ‘charity’ party for them.