- Ukrainian drones destroyed a Russian Su-24 bomber, an Orion UAV, and multiple radar stations in occupied Crimea.
- The strikes were conducted by the “Prymary” special unit of Ukraine’s military intelligence over the past two weeks.
Ukrainian military intelligence has reported a new series of drone strikes targeting Russian assets in occupied Crimea, including the destruction of a Su-24 frontline bomber and an Orion (Inokhodets-type) tactical unmanned aerial vehicle.
According to a statement from the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, the operations were carried out by the special operations group known as “Prymary.”
The exact location and timing of the Su-24 strike were not disclosed, but Ukrainian intelligence said the attacks took place over the past two weeks.
“The specialists of the GUR MO of Ukraine’s special unit ‘Prymary’ continue their methodical demilitarization of the temporarily occupied peninsula,” the agency said in a release.
In addition to the Su-24 bomber and the Orion UAV, Ukrainian drones reportedly destroyed or damaged multiple Russian radar and logistical assets on the peninsula. The list of affected targets includes:
- Su-24 frontline bomber
- Orion unmanned aerial vehicle
- Antenna inside a radar-transparent dome
- 39N6 “Kasta-2E2” radar station
- Two 48Ya6-K1 “Podlet” radar systems
- A Russian military cargo train
- A Ural military truck
The statement from the GUR emphasized that these strikes are part of an ongoing campaign to weaken Russian air defense coverage and surveillance in the occupied region.
The operation follows earlier Ukrainian drone and missile attacks that targeted Russian fighter aircraft, including a reported strike on a MiG-29 at Kacha Airfield, also in Crimea. In May 2024, Ukrainian forces also used ATACMS missiles to strike Belbek Airfield, reportedly damaging MiG-31, Su-27, and MiG-29 aircraft.
The Orion UAV, comparable in function to the U.S. MQ-1 Predator, has been deployed by Russian forces for surveillance and strike missions. The Su-24 is a Soviet-era variable-sweep wing bomber used in tactical strike roles. Both platforms have seen repeated use in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.