A Russian Su-24M frontline bomber was destroyed at the 'Saki' military airfield in temporarily occupied Crimea. The operation was carried out by fighters of the National Guard of Ukraine's Special Operations Center 'Omega'. This was reported by the Commander of the National Guard, Alexander Pivnenko.
The attack was executed by combat drones, which struck at the moment the aircraft was preparing for a combat sortie to attack Ukrainian territory. According to Pivnenko, after identifying the target, the operation was carefully planned. The first drone hit the bomber, and the second delivered a follow-up strike to the area of the fuel tanks, resulting in the complete destruction of the aircraft.
New tactics for deep strikes
The National Guard Command confirmed that the department is systematically expanding its capabilities to use combat unmanned systems at significant operational depths. Today, combat missions at distances of more than 100 kilometers are carried out not only by 'Omega' specialists but also by units of the 1st National Guard Corps 'Azov' and the 2nd National Guard Corps 'Kharta'.
Such strikes force the enemy to weaken combat capabilities at the front, disrupt the logistics support system, and compel the transfer of resources to protect their own rear. "Work continues. The list of priority enemy targets is constantly updated," emphasized Pivnenko.
Saki Airfield in the crosshairs
The 'Saki' airfield remains one of the key airbases of the Russian occupiers in Crimea, from which aircraft regularly take off to attack Ukrainian cities. In recent weeks, the base has been subjected to regular strikes by Ukrainian forces.
On the night of July 1, SBU drones hit hangars with Su-30 fighters. And on July 3, the special service attacked 'Saki' again: seven hangars with aviation equipment were destroyed, including Su-30SM, Su-30 fighters, and Su-24 bombers.