Strike on the Wings: SBU Hits Russian Aviation in Crimea for the Second Time in a Week

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out a large-scale sabotage operation on the territory of occupied Crimea. During a night strike, drones from the intelligence agency hit two key Russian airbases — the airfields of “Saky” and “Hvardiiske”. This event is a continuation of the active phase of the 40-day influence operation against Russia, announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Devastation at “Saky” Airfield

The main target of the attack was the “Saky” airfield, where a significant portion of the tactical aviation of the Russian occupation forces is concentrated. According to the SBU press service, strikes were launched at seven hangars intended for storing aircraft. These storage facilities housed Su-30 and Su-30SM fighters and Su-24 front-line bombers.

Preliminary estimates indicate that at least seven aircraft were destroyed or damaged as a result of the attack. This is already the second attack on this airfield in the past week. Previously, on the night of July 1, SBU drones had already struck hangars with fighters, where fires were recorded and five hits were confirmed.

Strike on Logistics at “Hvardiiske”

The second target of the operation was the “Hvardiiske” airfield. Here, drones hit two hangars storing aviation equipment and “Shahed” type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The destruction of warehouses with UAVs and technical equipment strikes at the logistical chain of Russian forces, limiting their ability to strike Ukrainian territory.

Strategy of the 40-Day Operation

All these actions are part of a large-scale strategy announced on June 26. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, declared the start of a 40-day operation aimed at compelling Russia to end the war. Attacks on airbases in Crimea are intended to demonstrate the SBU's ability to strike strategic targets deep in the enemy's rear.

The Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert Bovid (“Madyar”), confirmed the high effectiveness of the night operations. According to him, on the night of July 3, drones hit 48 enemy targets, which testifies to the coordination of efforts between intelligence agencies and unmanned units to achieve maximum effect.