On the night of July 1, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out a large-scale operation in temporarily occupied Crimea. Drones from the intelligence service launched precision strikes on the Saki military airfield, where the Russian Black Sea Fleet's aviation is based. According to the SBU press service, the attack was part of a strategic 40-day operation initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Precision strikes on aviation infrastructure
The main target of the attack was the airfield infrastructure, specifically hangars designated for storing combat equipment. SBU operatives confirmed five direct hits by drones on target objects. According to preliminary data, at the time of the strike, two of the damaged hangars housed Su-30 and Su-30SM fighters.
In the hangar where the Su-30SM fighter was based, a fire broke out after the drone hit. The fire served as evidence of the successful neutralization of the target and damage to expensive aviation equipment. The estimated cost of one such aircraft ranges from $30 to $50 million USD, depending on the modification and configuration.
Context of the "Influence" operation
This incident is not an isolated event. On June 26, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the start of a 40-day influence operation against Russia, aimed at compelling the adversary to end the war. All strikes launched by the SBU during this period fit within the framework of this large-scale strategy.
The attack on the Saki airfield continued a series of successful operations. Earlier, on June 28, as part of the same campaign, a strike was launched against the Slavyansk oil refinery. The actions of the intelligence service demonstrate the ability to strike critical objects deep in the enemy's rear.
